She would shuffle across the chess board floor

Of her kitchen in any direction she chose.

Silver pots blackened with years of fire

bubbled tongues and released the incenses that 

rested like a glory in that place.

 

Family would lay the sacrifice of provisions

In all cardinal and ordinal directions of the room:

Mustard greens north

Red chilis northeast

White onions east

Hog head southeast

Catfish south

Cornmeal southwest

Tomatoes west

Sweet corn northwest.

 

She would take the offerings,

Rub them between her fingers,

Smell them,

Nibble at their edges,

And make of them something holy.

When finished she would declare that it was good.

 

Her family would return.

Passing the offering of plates.

Breaking the miracle of bread.

Consuming the sacrament of supper.