Our Hands: Pilgrimage 1

Grandma Sarah 

With hands like mine 

My hands like yours 

Scratching my head

Greasing my scalp

Combing my hair

Weaving the strands 

into tight cornrows

With hands like mine, 

my hands like yours

Playing Trouble

Cooking field peas 

Cornmeal pancakes 

Collard greens 

Rice 

Biscuits 

Fried chicken

With hands like mine 

My hands like yours 

With hands like mine, 

my hands like yours 

heating the iron comb 

on the stove 

Watching smoke as you 

straighten your hair

I come to this place of ghosts and memories 

Thinking of you 

Thinking of you in the safe place 

Remembering your voice

Remembering your laugh 

Remembering your smile 

Remembering the colorful things 

you would say 

Remembering sitting on the stoop 

while you braided my hair 

I was safe 

I was at peace. 

I am in gratitude. 

I am in love. 

I am home.