Thank God for Aunties

For my Aunt Carole and Aunt Cheryl and Aunt Shirl and the Barbaras and Sharons and Marys and Alices and Maraldas that love love love
Not quite like mommies
Thank God for these women
That nurture my existence
That point.
Me in the right direction
They make they’re point
They be on point
And always an ear one can confide in
Hook a plate up!
So inviting
Provide true perspective
From an angle that was never seen
Til auntie lifted up her manicured finger and pointed it out
And aint even make me feel no way about pointing it out
That’s love. No doubt
Gotta love aunties
With uncles as complements
Common sense
confidence
Thank you God for Aunties
The ones that are of blood and the ones that come from kinship
Kisses on my cheek
She’d leave a certain shade of lipstick
Sway her hips with extra shift
Usher me in the pew sideways for Sunday service singing the hymn she knew by heart
All the parts
Assisted in the production that was my upbringing
And another shining example I have to reference in the making of this life im leading as the woman I am striving to become
Thank God for Aunties
With bomb mac and cheese recipes
Hair-braiding technique
Head between lotioned knees
Butt on pillow/Still gonna be sore in the middle when I get up
Tender-headed child’s nightmare
But every braid was considerate of my pain
Firm when its necessary your words be understood
Thank God for Aunties