That Sweet Potato Pie

That Sweet Potato Pie

I don't know how familiar you are with this southern recipe
But "Sweet Potato Pie" is heaven's nectar brought by angels we can't see.
My favorite, in descending order, was banana pudding, a huge bowl.
When it was served, my eyes would roll.

Then there was that heavenly "Strawberry Short Cake"
Made with three or four layers, laced with real whipped cream (a lot of care it would take).
And crushed, fresh-from-the-garden strawberries - the sweetest on earth.
I remember these treats to way back, a few years after my birth.

But one incident I'll never forget. It was after lunch on Saturday afternoon,
And for Sunday dinner, Mother had stashed two sweet potato pies. Soon
We had visitors, unexpected. A mother and three or four of her brood.
Suspecting the approaching bedlam, my mother wasn't in a "hosting" mood.

Well she was right; the worst was yet to come. We were sunk.
While both mothers chatted on the porch - one little girl was gouging chunks
Out of our sweet potato pies on the shelf of the old ice box.
And quietly, with wiped clean face she escaped as slick as a fox.

We never knew till they were gone that our sweet potato pies were, too.
They were gouged so badly there wasn't much we could salvage or do.
Needless to say, we grieved and mother fumed till long after that.
I bet that little girl still recalls her treasure hunt and the removal of the welcome mat.