Jalesha's Genesis

I am from the abundance of wine glasses

From stove-lit Fabuloso and Luster’s Pink Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion

I am from the hallowed hills of Rocky Top

off-road, vintage, smelling of Eastman’s chemical plant

I am from green, funeral potted plants,

Well-presented, soon-to-wither, desiring to be watered, and longing to live forever like the soul they are meant to represent.

I’m from late night church smash sessions and the 5-heads and cheek bones seen from the other side of town

From Booty and Sis. Turner

I’m from the workaholic “Turner-Man” syndrome and sharp-dressed men preaching folx into a coma while the wives’ eyes stare from side to side

From “tough titty said the kitty but the milk’s still sweet”, “does your daddy work at the glass factory?”, and “stop runnin’ in and out of this house”

I’m from “God is good all the time and all the time God is good”, the hand clappin’ ‘n foot stompin’ church of the living God filled with shouting and war cries to encourage you in life’s highs and lows

I’m from the Appalachian mountains of the Virginias and Carolinas and the cotton fields of Georgia migrating to the home of Pal’s,

NaRasha’s sweet mac ‘n cheese, dirt cake, and sweet potatoes, Granny’s New Year’s fried chicken

From the belief of the Braves’ Turner stadium built in our family’s honor

The arguing with teachers about being the cousin of Tina Turner because MY PAPAW WAS NEVER WRONG!

Photos and gum wrappers with notes on them inside of large pink and red scrapbooks covered in frills, lace, tied by freyed strings struggling to commit to a bind

I am from the “Don’t forget the family prayer. Jesus loves to meet you there. When we gather ‘round the altar, don’t forget the family prayer.”

As I have reflected on my genesis, I pray that my cessation is not near. I dare not take for granted the God-given moments coming my way.

Where I started is not where I will finish!

Now, I ask you: where are you from?

With Love,

Jalesha

IG: @javaandteawithjtd

javaandteawithjtd@gmail.com