“Sik a Koko” For Coconut Candy
A short story of candy, love and nostalgia in Guadeloupe islands
During an online-creative writing workshop last month, I gave my imagination a space to express itself, thanks to stimulating exercises. Here is the result that I happily share here.
I could see the pan’s fire sputter and steam, outside, under the mango tree. It smelled good. This majestic mango tree, under which we used to go, to play with my cousins. Large green leaves, juicy and tasty fruits, that I was pleased to devour during the dedicated season, under a baking sun.
Granny was behind the furnaces. With her hand full of magic, she was stirring a promising delicious mixture, in her stewpot.
Cinnamon, sugar cane, nutmeg: all the flavors were blending.
My great cousins were busy grating coconuts. She was gradually picking up the pieces.
If Granny ever got the chance to turn over and catch my distracted cousins, she used to scream at them: “Grajé’y !” (Keep grating the coconut!).
Side note: every Caribbean mama or grandma have their way to make their children obey (and they still can be loving).
After a couple of (unending!) hours according to that child’s heart and timing of mine, I was quick to eat up the coconut candy made by my sweet grandma.
Twenty years later, when I taste every single bit of this unique sweetness, I close my eyes and I mentally go back to that Grandma’s courtyard. I see again her hands, both gentle and rough, weathered by time.
I smell again, as if I were still there, all these well-known flavors.
It’s all about those “details”: tasting each bit is a delightful experience.
The clients often ask to be told the same story over and over when they come by the coffee. Some of them just can’t get enough of it.
The so-called sik a koko — coconut candy sounds like the alchemy of souls, to me. Grandma’s with all ones who got lucky enough to taste her dish.
I am often asked to put that story into words and make it framed on the coffee shop’s walls.
But how do we put into words and frame the unspeakable ?
In loving memory of Mamie J. ღ
Original text: https://unefeeruedesmots.com/sik-a-koko/
