Soup Joumou

 

Soup Joumou 

It’s the first of January, in the season of Winter,

A yearly tradition is to take place.

The holiday season hasn’t quite come to an end,

As the celebration of Haitian independence 

And the New Year begins. 


A large pot is lifted off the sleek, electric stovetop, 

After a careful wipe with a wet cloth. 

Nearby countertops are covered with various seasonings—

Pepper, seasoned salt, garlic, and nutmeg. 


Children with cheerful dispositions, 

Filled with curiosity as to the delicious meal. 

Conclusions are drawn as fresh bread fills the home.

The ringing of spoons in four bowls—

It’s Soup Joumou!


Immediately, four wooden chairs, 

Scrape against the tile floors, 

Beneath the dinner table. 

A beaming mother places four colorful table mats, 

Bearing blue, red, white, green, and yellow.


And those steaming, white ceramic bowls 

Of Soupe Joumou and baguette— 

After the folding of hands, a special prayer, 

Each child’s hungry gaze across the table.  


Finally, it leads to a symphony of independence ringing out,

And delightful crunches. 

The steaming pumpkin soup slurps easy, 

The soft slice of baguette dips easy. 


All at once with the lift of a spoon, 

You can taste the warmth of it all. 

The rich penne pasta, beef, butternut squash, 

Root vegetables, cabbage, and spices alike.


On the first of January, 1804,

Independence and freedom were gained. 

God bless Haiti, the beaming mother, 

And her joyful children, for the independence and freedom gained. 

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