The House

​“The house” – that’s what we called it
Back then, here in Union, South Carolina,
When people had homes and stayed there
And didn’t go wandering far from kin,
As in, “I reckon we need to be getting
Back to the house now. Y’all come with us!”
All of us said it, meant it
– not just immediate family,
But everyone in the little cotton mill town,
As though we shared amongst us
This vast communal hall that took in all,
Regardless of blood or creed or color.
We needed to name no street or to
Give no direction. Neither did those
To whom we said, “Y’all come with us,”
For they knew the house by heart themselves.
After all, they lived there as well.