Foster is Nice & Honest

Being nice goes a long way but being honest goes even further
Can't remember the last time someone went out of their way
to walk me to my car...I mean sure, yes night was upon us
but having some place to be next means that goodbyes are quick
and taking a pass on idol chit chat was the norm
It was burnt Bar-B-Q Friday at Lola's Place,
the best kept secret in Laurelton, Queens
Lola was from North Carolina but could really cook
I mean she cooked like she was from Arkansas
reminded me of  mom's home-cooking
so I didn't mind taking that trip every now and then from the City
took me 2 hours one-way  with traffic backed up on the Tri-boro
a couple of accidents and 2 or 3 tourist drivers slowing up things
but I finally got there and pleasantly surprised it wasn't packed
ordered my Cabbage and Greens, Black-eyed Peas,
Cornbread, Potato Salad, Burnt Ribs,
Banana Pudding & 1/2 gallon of Grape Kool-Aid
Lola had run out of Sweet Tea and Mint Julep
put up a sign saying Grape Kool-Aid was on the house
so I  wanted at least a 1/2 gallon for my trouble
no problem for Lola, in fact she gave me two gallons because I'm a regular
I felt kind of bad knowing I had gave up Kool-Aid back in college
along with Ramen Noodles and Now-Laters that kept getting stuck in my teeth
I'll give it to somebody, that's what I get for being greedy
Anyway, the music was blasting as usual
Bobby Blue Bland was giving me a headache
I wonder why it's taking her so long tonight and no one is even here
oh good she's bringing me an appetizer
I knew it! She's trying to sell me on these Turnip and Mustard Greens
she know I only eat Collards...ok thank you
yes thank you I'll try them this week...she must have run out of Collards
sent her son to the Bodega or something to get more
uh huh yea, I know exactly what's going on
should be grateful she's willing to feed my picky palate
an hour later finally 2 full bags of smell good food
I don't have to check because she always hooks me up
Lola came out from the kitchen to hug me before I leave
whispers that her son is still single
I immediately remind her that there are a lot of nice single woman
who would love to marry her son but I'm not one of them
I tell her this on every visit and she laughs
her son Foster approaches us, smiles at me too long
picks up my bags, announces that he will walk me to my car
thank you Foster but I'm good I say
no you're not I'm walking you to your car he responds
I'm in no mood for arguing so off we go
Foster gently places my bags of Southern Soul Food for the week
in my backseat
that was nice, he's nice and yes it's nice to have someone
carry bags and open doors
uh oh why is he smiling at me again
thank you Foster I have to go now...huh...
you have to tell me something
I really don't have time to...what...
I have Greens stuck in my teeth
I look in the car mirror...oh wow, I look like I'm missing my teeth
thank you for telling me Foster
he hands me a toothpick, I accept
jump in my car slightly embarrassed
as I head back to the City
thinking I might have a new friend
at least he won't see the burnt Bar-B-Q sauce
it always manages to glaze my nose

by Shonnese C.L. Coleman