As a native West Indian, cooking is a big part of my heritage and stews are a family stronghold. I’ve watched my mother add a little of this, shake a little of that, get down to the nitty gritty until the stew was just right. Not only did she add salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, oregano, onion and garlic, she added deep feelings and emotions in that nourishing family stew. She would hum as she cooked… sometimes a light sweet tune, sometimes a deep moan and groan.

In the essence of my mother’s stews, I present to you, Thea’s stew. Just like she stirred the pot of thick stew, how she tended the stove, how she let it marinate and slow simmered when necessary, I have stirred, tended, and slow simmered these words just for you. They are full of my emotions and feelings, just like my Mother’s stew. In some poems, you will hear light sweet tunes. In other’s, you will hear deep moans and groans. Either way, I hope you enjoy what I have cooked up for you.
I hope you enjoy, Thea’s Stew.