Our Old Ways

The most charming man
I ever met
had seven producing oil wells
and crumbled crackers in his chili
He didn't realize he had become
very wealthy

still ate at Poor Boy's Cafe
instead of floorboarding
his gleaming Packard to Tulsa's
steakhouses

I had to take a message
to Mattie the cook at Poor Boy's
and found Mister Compton
having a late bowl of chili

I had grown since he saw me
but he said "you're Ben's daughter"
and called, "Mattie, cut Miss Wilma
a piece of lemon pie"

Steeped in Mama's counsel, I hung back
but Mr Compton assured me "Honey
I know your daddy and our old ways
You can eat with me"
and I sat down on the stool beside him

Notes

McDaniel, Wilma. (2001) Borrowed Coats. Hanging Loose Press, Brooklyn, New York.
Courtesy University of California, Merced Library. Copyright owned by the Regents of the University of California.