her grandmother called her from the playground
“yes, ma’am”

“i want chu to learn how to make rolls”

said the old woman proudly

but the little girl didn’t want to learn how because she knew

even if she couldn’t say it

that would mean when the old one died

she would be less dependent on her spirit

so she said

“i don’t want to know how to make no rolls”

with her lips poked out

and the old woman wiped her hands on her apron saying “lord these children”

and neither of them ever said what they meant

and i guess nobody ever does

#PS-Can anyone identify the artist for the painting below?