i lost faith in fairy tales
and placed it in family and predictable rituals
of silver-tongued finesse to sweet-secret that rum swizzle punch recipe outta uncle larry via encoded terminology within range of underage ears.
in every direction farine pie, cassava pie, and pyrex dishes of homemade spiced stuffing amidst
battle of the “baked to perfection macaroni and cheeses.”
the moist and tenders covering a sea of tables and kitchen countertops.
better always for there to be too much food,
too much family with friends.
loud classic soul tunes/r&b mix.
louder conversations,
as children slip in between hands determined to grab and hug with too many kisses for reluctant cheeks and
“my goodness mama, what you been feeding him, growena???—he's got so tall!”
darkness patches past back porch steps where grownups kept smokes and southern comfort on ice, mindful you didn't linger during conversation. get too curious.
we knew better
but tried it anyhow.
“run along now...grown folk business.”
always endless cousins and games to play in forever times. closest to freedom we got gone crazy, eating second, third, and fourth helpings like bottomless pits.
the whole world’s home with everyone boozy and packed bodies in surround sound and the cat found some sense and in hiding for the night—that night—no next day work or school, and no mama/daddy telling you can’t have this or that. friends and family entitled to spoil you once a year and we lapped it up, rolled around in it like it’d never end, couch-dozing on annual movie specials, candy-high drunk on grass-rootsy socializing with too much pound cake and ice cream only to be 'sleep-drag-walked' to the car, since nobody carrying you an account of “how tall you got!” and the night blinks multicolored warmth all over, looking every bit like love which hollers out
“pops, let that child stay the night and we’ll drop her off in late morning at yours.”
and already you know, cousins’ afterparty gon’ defy bodily requirements and be up all night long.
cuz before we knew what they were…
they'd be a season of yesterdays.
I am very appreciative that you read this poem! I put a great deal of effort and time into it, so that means so much to me. You are more than welcome to read more of my work below.
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Comments (33)
Wonderfully evocative verse. Congratulations on your win
Absolutely beautiful!!! Time is a fleeting wonder! Congrats, Dani!
My heart leaps to see this place! 🥰Congratulations!!!! You definitely brought your A game to the classroom! Go Gurl! 🎉💪🏾
Dani, this was bloody epic. I absolutely loved the flow, the detail, the tsunami of memories - stealing from Dana below - it was just a joy to read. From a writer's point of view and from a human. And although I don't do Christmas anymore for a bunch of reasons...this is in many ways very reminicent of my own experiences as a kid growing up. So glad to share the winner's circle with you, well done!
This was so joyful and uplifting and then those last two lines! What a beautiful tsunami of memories! Congratulations!
Congratulations, Dani Writer! A very well deserved win! Merry Christmas!
Fabulous!!! Love your line, "spoil you once a year and we lapped it up, rolled around in it like it’d never end, couch-dozing on annual movie specials, candy-high drunk on grass-rootsy socializing with too much pound cake and ice cream only to be 'sleep-drag-walked' to the car, " Congratulations on the runner up!!!❤️❤️💕
Congratulations 🥳👏… I loved joining you on your walk down memory lane! I especially like: “always endless cousins and games to play in forever times. closest to freedom we got gone crazy, eating second, third, and fourth helpings like bottomless pits.” A familiar tale… I also made the most of the lifting of limits on sweet treats!🤣
This is FANTASTIC. The waves of detail, imagery, and phrases just roll over you in sparkling creativity and eloquence - masterful. Thank you for sharing this window into your holiday world, and congrats on the well-deserved recognition!!
Wooohooooo congratulations on your win! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Congratulations on Top Story and Runner Up - Well Deserved!!!
Congrats on placing!
Oh you beauty! So happy for you!
Congratulations on placing in the challenge with this beautiful and amazing poetry. Well done.
Such a fun, heartwarming blast from the past! The chaos, the food, the family vibes—couldn't ask for a better mix. Feels like the kind of day that'd never get old, no matter how many times you relive it!😊 Congratulations on earning TS 🎉
I like how many families share the same joy and experiences as others. It is kind of comforting
Ah the memories!! You showed us so well❣️
Oh I love those smiles!!
The vivid imagery of feasts, laughter, and the carefree spirit of children creates a heartfelt tapestry of cherished memories.
This chaotic nostalgic feeling of loving grown ups and Christmas stress for children in a time much too short.
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
So vivid and nostalgic ❤️ congrats on top story, it’s well deserved
This is the type of writing that makes you feel happy to be alive! What a beautiful literary portrait you've painted! Very Well done! BRAVA! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I love the way you incorporated sensory details into your poem. Well done you really transported the reader!
I would have woken up faster today if I'd known I'd read this line alone: "the night blinks multicolored warmth all over, looking every bit like love " Because you had me there, beside you.