Did you move back to Barbados
where snow doesn’t blow
into drifts higher than my knees
which didn’t impede me plus three others
trudging through freezing temperatures
smiling, tripping, sliding;
even when a couple slid down subway steps
forced into occupation of sliding board
of packed ice,
where one mate quietly disappeared
without any preliminary anticipation
and then other giggling also
like a happy child flew?…
Yes, a blizzard twice with a hungry crew
that diminished by two the next year.
Not because of your cooking
I tell you..
What is it about your banquet spread
of pumpkin soup, pig tails, peas and rice,
fishcakes, black cake, macaroni pie
(wasn’t there goat,
and mouth-watering bread?… Not flying fish
we ate in your native state…)
But what is it that tells the heavenly skies
comprised of nimbostratus clouds
to drop consistent exquisite individual flakes
before our childlike delighted eyes
on those particular dates?
Still-in-all,
us four did not even hesitate
to bundle up, pull shut our doors
on warmth of personal homes.
For your sweet comforting smile
would be worth the thrilling journey
alone.
Who am I kidding?
It’s you and Bajan fare.
Even to Barbados to gather there.
ITH & SB 