Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Vocabulary List Chapters 19-21

willing to meet danger or take risks

"If Bear won't come to me, I'll go to him," I say, feeling bold, not as shy as I once was.

to swell, curve outward, or stick out

Muscles bulge up and down his shoulders and arms.

to stir or shake forcefully

Screeching, churning, all day, all night.

having many steep rocks or cliffs

Bear's pa's face is craggy, sorrowful.

having lost one's sense of time, place, or identity

"Folks get lonely, disoriented."

to grow well : THRIVE

Outside is flourishing with damp heat and the color green.

having a very serious appearance or manner

Face grim, gold tooth sparkling, Jake points.

to gather or collect for use

But I've never seen them harvested.

to watch carefully

Sayings come from observing the world.

to move in a slow or awkward way

He keeps lumbering, hands swiping at Bear.

to move with a sudden swaying, tipping, or jerking motion

He lurches.

from time to time : FREQUENTLY

"Clear!" Bailey and Willie Mae periodically shout.

to turn on or around a central point

"Coming about!" Bolden yells, turning the wheel, making the boat pivot and head out to the gulf.

freed from impurities : PURE

"When it's processed, refined, it becomes oil folks can use."

a soft, smooth, shiny quality

The sun makes a sheen across the endless water.

having a high-pitched usually piercing sound

"Pa." he says, shrill, shouting.

understanding of the feelings of others

I only know in the bayou, my feelings are stronger. Sensitive.

to take in and let out a long, loud breath in a way that shows you are bored, disappointed, relieved, etc.

I sigh, thrilled.

a way of standing, sitting, or walking with the head and shoulders bent forward

Shoulders slouched, Bear seems small.

to look or peer with the eyes partly closed

He squints like the light pains him.

to fasten or support (as plants) with stakes

All morning, Grandmère's been weeding the garden, staking tomato plants, and picking peas.

to shake without control (as from fear or cold) : SHIVER

Bear starts trembling.

to draw back (as from pain)

He winces. I let go.

to twist or press so as to squeeze out moisture

Wring it clean.