Cast Iron Skillet

I drop chicken drumsticks
into a paper bag filled with
southern seasoned frying flour.
Shake the paper bag, open
and push my fingers through
to make sure that every little
spot is covered. Flick a bit
of batter into the grease to
ensure it is ready to receive.
I cook in a cast iron skillet
to honor the legacy of women
who made my freedom in
this kitchen possible. My
grandmother, who measured
without an instrument, pinching
and sprinkling until looked
“jus’ right.”  My mother,
who saved the paper bags
from Comet Grocery store
just for nights like this.
Aunties and church ladies
shaking, coating, frying
until their skin was speckled
with Crisco memories.
I poke one drumstick with
a fork, make sure the juices
run clear, tear off a tiny
piece and juggle its heat with
my fingertips. Present my
scorched tongue on the
altar of my ancestors.

Sean Johnson, from a young age, developed an insatiable love for the written and spoken word and has performed throughout the country. Sean has had art work and poetry published in 31 anthologies worldwide. All My Heroes Were Assassinated is her first full-length collection with two of its poems nominated for “Best of the Best” by Edify Fiction and Lunch Ticket. In addition to her poetic endeavors, she is also a painter, teacher, rock star auntie, and humanitarian known for her monthly homeless outreach, disaster relief program, and mission work in Africa, Peru, and Central America.