A Patriarch's Blessing to The Year of the Sky-Smear Summary

"A Patriarch's Blessing" discusses how Carver tries to sleep in a train, but he sees a thin, white face with a beard. It is Uncle Moses (Moses Carver). Moses says "come here" and George kneels by his rocker. George says he has come back to pick fruit from his favorite tree, but Moses says the fruit is not ripe yet. Moses says he can never keep his boys away from the tree. Moses says George will go in front of the Lord to prepare him.

"The Lace-Maker" discusses how Carver likes to crochet, knit and do needlework. Late Sunday morning, Carver sews intently. It is spiritual for him and gives him happiness.

"Chicken-Talk" discusses how chickens go missing from Carver's chicken coops. Booker T. Washington hounds him...