This Week’s Rant

The Wrong Kitchen

Grandmother would sit me
between her legs
to scratch my dandruff
and unravel my plaits

We didn’t know then
dandruff was a sign of nervousness
hives tough emotional decisions
things seen that were better
unseen

We thought love could cure
anything a doll here a favorite
caramel cake there

The arguments the slaps the chairs
banging against the wall
the pleas to please stop
would disappear under quilts aired
in fresh air
would be forgotten after Sunday School
teas and presentations for the Book Club

We didn’t know then why I played
my radio all night
and why I kept a light burning

We thought back then it was my hair
that was nappy

So we – trying to make it alright –
straightened the wrong kitchen

– Nikki Giovanni –