Tradition
In a south Louisiana classroom
the English teacher prodded—
“Give me an example of ‘tradition.’”
Silence.
Finally, from the back of the room,
a hand wavered up.
“It’s like our hat rack.”
“Hat rack, Lola?”
“My pa built it—
hanged his hat there
ever day after work.”
“Well, I guess that’s an example of tradition.”
“Pa died.
Step-paw wanted to yank it out, burn it.
I told Sissy, and she showed up right quick.
When Step-paw come to,
he said we could keep our old hat rack.”
“Yes, Lola. That’s tradition.”