Rise Like Batter
by Dre Hill
Texas, USA
(A tribute to Auntie) - 4/10/21
The kitchen is a sacred place
It houses the spirits of my ancestors
They reign down from the heavens
Guiding us children in the ways of food
Whenever I enter the kitchen
I look up and ask for auntie
She guides me as I stir the pots
And holds my hands as I drop seasonings
We talk like the days before
My words echo against the walls
She tells me that she’s proud of me
And holds me close as the tears fall
I watch the batter rise
As the oven’s heat pulls it high
Waiting for the day
That I rise like batter and we reunite
Dre Hill
Dre Hill is a freelance fiction writer, animator, and podcast host from Fort Worth, Texas. Dre studied animation and writing at Drury University. During his time at Drury, Dre won a 100-word short story contest hosted by PubClub. His work, Summer 2020, and Captured, was also published in the 20-21 issue of the university’s literary magazine Currents.