Poets logo

Home Training

The lyrical account of growing up in the North, raised by a single Black mom from the South, who worked tirelessly to give me, her baby daughter, the best life she could with the very little she had.

By Cha DoringPublished 3 years ago 1 min read
3
Home Training
Photo by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash

Don’t be goin’ out there beggin’ for food like you ain’t got no Home Training.

You got All the food you will need, right here.

The boxed supermarket treats for those shallow cravings at the tip of your tongue

The smothered pork chops, black eyes peas, cornbread for the real cravings deep in your soul

Crack of dawn scrambled eggs, bacon, and grits waking up your stomach before your eyes

Wake up baby girl.

Home got All you need, right here.

Don’t be playin’ in the yard with your school clothes on like you ain’t got no Home Training.

We may not have much, but nobody’s going to look at my baby girl and tell.

Waking up early after triple shifts to iron ironclad creases into your clothes

Spending the last paycheck dime, making sure my baby girl stays dressed for success

There’s no way them school clothes gonna be getting messed up

Nuh uh baby girl, not on my watch!

There’s a separate play outfit for that, right here, with All the clothes you need.

Don't be beggin’ to stay over your friend’s house all the time like you ain’t got no Home Training.

You’ll be just as entertained, right here.

I keep the house clean, so you never have to be ashamed to bring your friends around

We’ll watch movies, but cover your eyes for the fresh parts

We’ll watch talk shows, where I’ll recap lessons and tell you how they apply to your life

Listen baby girl.

Where we lack in money, we make up in time spent right here, All the time we need.

Don’t be going off to that Ivy League school forgetting where you came from!

Keep food in your dorm! Eat and be prepared for emergencies.

Keep your area clean! Make sure it’s a place you’re never ashamed of.

Stop wearing those sweatpants every day! Try to look decent at least a few times a week.

And remember, you’re never too far from the place that’s got All you need.

slam poetry
3

About the Creator

Cha Doring

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.