Tradition

by Gina C. Simon

Stir, stir, stir.
Wipe away tears
as smoke fills my eyes, my face, the whole room.
Do not stop stirring.

Stir, stir, stir.
Jump back swiftly
from popping grease threatening severe burns.
Do not stop stirring.

Stir, stir, stir.
Breathe a short sigh
as the mixture finally changes colors.
Do not stop stirring.

Stir, stir, stir.
Turn the fire off.
Darkening still. Slowly, slowly it cools.
At last, stop stirring.

So why do we bother
with this primitive skill,
that began in ancient times,
maybe further back still?

When it comes to a Cajun’s
perfect gumbo or stew,
the only way to start
is with a homemade roux.

Gina C. Simon is a writer/songwriter who grew up in the Acadiana region of Louisiana and recently relocated to Mississippi.