It don't feel right

My parents are from bayou country. You know that part of America that is heavy in ancestral African culture. That part that still has the vestiges of the religious mix of Christianity, African tradition religion and is often given the pejorative title vodou?

Chances are you know my people because they are your people too. If your roots are anywhere beyond North Carolina border south to the Caribbean then you know my people because my people are your people.


Well my people have this strange trait, which may be better described as a sense.
Although raised in New York city’s Red hook project my mama truly still has her roots in the gulf of Mexico, in Mobile Alabama. And my momma would often tell me that God would take care of fools and babies. Well beyond that, I strongly believe that God has given my people this sense, a knowing, a way of telling things, that are not very apparent to the naked eye, but are true. Not so much a future telling type thing, but an ability to see what is, without it being disclosed to the eye, and ability to hear what is being said without the precise words having been spoken…. and yes, and ability to test spirits without a clear physical appearance.

I have seen that all though I’m all city boy’ed up, and maybe even a little sadidified, that part of my roots have been passed on to me.

For instance…
I know when someone does not genuinely care for me. May seem small but I’m talking that kind where you know that someone has no reason to not like you, and shows all visible signs affirming there affinity towards you but there is this something, something that gives them away. Not when it’s obvious that they are faking it, but you know like they heard some of your dirt or something, and know that they should not be opposed to you but since they know some of your dirty little secrets and can’t admit it, but they put on a really good face? One of my neighbors is very cordial, speaks and asks about the family whenever we run into each other. But there is something in the eye. There is warmth absent when I’m by myself that is there when other members of my family accompany me. And I just know, couldn’t put my finger on exactly how, but I do know, that this particular neighbor does not like me.

Have you ever had that feeling? You know that feeling, when something just does not feel right? Can’t put your finger on it?