Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: SLANG (05/14/20)
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TITLE: Greasy Greens | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Dick
05/20/20 -
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“Ladies, you know our God wants us to serve him. We’ve learned that throughout our Bible studies.”
“Yes, Ma’am!” The ladies chimed.
“Y’all don’t want to be no turtle on a post.”
“No, Ma’am!”
What? Turtle? This southern state was new to me. I’d only arrived a few months ago. My chest constricted as I thought of home. I swallowed as tears welled in my eyes.
After the last amen, everyone stood and moved toward the exit doors of the sanctuary.
“You fixin’ to go to the pot luck, darlin’?”
Miss Bessie hobbled up beside me as she leaned on her cane.
I glanced at her and nodded. We shuffled side by side encircled by ladies moving toward the picnic tables.
She chuckled. “We move as fast as a herd of turtles.”
I rolled my eyes. What’s with the turtles?
Plastic white coverings adorned the wooden tables. I followed Miss Bessie to one and deposited my handbag.
“Darlin’, let’s go yonder and fill our plates. We’ll be havin’ some good eatin’ today!”
I trailed behind her to the food table laden with tasty southern cuisine.
“Now be sure you take some of my dish.” She pointed to a large pot filled with bacon and collard greens floating in greasy liquid. “Which one is yours?”
I politely scooped a mound of greens onto my plate then pointed to my platter.
Her brow furrowed. “What is it?”
“It’s smoked salmon.”
She took a closer look. “Humph. Looks slimy. Ya Yankees eat kinda weird, don’t ya?”
I grinned and shrugged.
With my plate in one hand and Miss Bessie’s in the other, we returned to our table. She gripped my arm as I helped her navigate the bench.
She moaned and plopped down. “Thank ya kindly. These old bones ain’t gettin any younger.” She smiled and stuffed a paper napkin in the neck of her blouse. “Praise the Lord the weather is cooperatin’ today. It can get hotter than blue blazes in the summertime.”
I scooted in next to her and popped a tangy deviled egg in my mouth.
A woman with coiffed blonde hair approached our table carrying a full plate of food. Another woman followed. “Hi, y’all.” She swung her leg over the bench across from us and sat. “I’m Darcy Lee, but you can call me Dee. This here’s my best friend.”
“Hey, ladies. My name’s Alina Fay. Call me Lee.” She plopped down next to Dee and smiled. “Hey, Miss Bessie. You probably brought those tasty greens.”
Miss Bessie laughed. “That’s right.”
I smiled at the ladies’ exchange and took a bite of gooey macaroni and cheese smothered in cheddar and parmesan.
“Are you new here?” Lee crunched on a crispy chicken leg and gazed at me.
I swallowed. “Yes, I arrived a few months ago.”
“Well, honey, bless your heart. I’ve been here a while now; came here after Katrina.”
I stopped chewing.
“Lost everything, but we’re doing okay now. Praise Jesus.” She flashed a big smile.
“Yep,” chimed in Dee. “We moved here cuz’ of the stinky mold. That last big flood ruined our house.”
“Mmhmm.” Miss Bessie nodded. “Everythin’ was gone after the tornado of ’08.” She shook her head. “Then the cancer after that. But, you know, God is always faithful.”
“Yes, Ma’am!” Cried the ladies.
“He gives strength in the storm.” Lee tipped her head and smiled. “I sure learned that one!”
“I’m so sorry.” I stared at the joyous women.
“What brought you here, anyway?” Dee asked.
My face heated. “My husband got a promotion with his company. They moved us here.”
Three sets of eyes watched me.
“Well, honey, welcome to the south. What will you do?” Lee asked.
I looked away. “I’m not sure.”
Miss Bessie touched my arm. “Darlin’, there are times the good Lord just wants us to be with him. Then he tells us.” She nodded and ate a forkful of chess pie.
She chuckled. “But don’t be like no post turtle.”
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…Psalm 34:18. (NIV)
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What's a turtle on a post?
Great piece. Thanks for the greasy greens.