I am from potatoes
from mountainous valleys
and the rushing Fraser River.
I am from giant cooking pots—
steaming, mixing, smelling of home
From “leave nothing but footprints”
From Granny
and Momma Nancy
From chives
and blueberries.
I am from the crock pot
cooking, waiting for the feast
mashed potatoes,
beautiful wild flowers
and waking up early on Christmas morning.
Hi, everyone! I’m Hannah, and I am in my final semester at UBC. I am majoring in Spanish and have taken multiple Latin American studies courses. I would describe myself as outgoing, energetic and funny. I am taking this course in particular as I had taken a food ways course last semester and I loved it. I think the topic of food is so interesting and diverse. I’m excited to explore this semester with you all!
This poem is so you, Hannah. The wild bounty of blueberries, the comfort of the crock pot, the community gathered around the “giant cooking pots.” I particularly enjoyed your last stanza. You really capture the anticipation that accompanies both a delicious feast and the excitement of Christmas morning. Thanks for this lovely peek into your foodways!
I am delighted to have you in another course… and in your last term! Excited to learn with you one more time as you finish out your undergraduate studies 🙂
Hi Hannah, thank you for the very illustrating poem! I relate very much with your second stanza, as blueberries are something that I also associate with my grandma. I am curious as to the meaning behind “leave nothing but footprints”, and I would love to know what it represents. I also took the Latin American foodways course last semester, and learning more about the impact of food on culture and its intersectionality with social beliefs definitely made me want to take this course to learn more too.