To Forage

I go grocery shopping at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Well-acquainted with Black church services, I know the ease with which a 12:15 p.m. benediction can be pushed closer to 2:00 p.m. I arrive at my local Stop & Shop just in time to witness a procession of large hats and pastel cardigans, accompanied by the smells of lavender perfume and burnt hair. Slipping into this crowd ensures that my shopping trip will be saturated with the warmth that only older Black women can provide. Baby, do you have the time? Can you grab that sugar on the top shelf for me, darling? Now that’s a pretty dress, honey. I respond in turn. Of course I can, ma’am; That lipstick looks gorgeous on your skin; That skirt is absolutely stunning. I slide the grocery list out of my pocket and smile at these small acts of cultivating each other, this closeness...