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Waiting in The Lion Dance Chinese Take Away

I sit on a straight back red vinyl chair in a Chinese Take Away waiting for my beef and black bean sauce, pork chow mein and a serving of special fried rice - hear from behind a beaded rainbow coloured curtain the sizzle and spit of hot oil, the constant sound of a ladle scraping the sides of a wok, smell a symphony of smells that run a river of saliva across my wanton tongue - then silence, seconds seem like minutes until, “your order is ready sir”, and at that moment all the loveliness of the world becomes boxed and cradled in a Lion Dance labelled take away carry bag. Note for American readers. In Australia we use the term Take Away instead of Take Out. Same thing. Not sure of the term used in the UK or elsewhere.

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Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 7/24/2025 10:47:00 AM

Hello Paul, What I love about this piece is that, even in fluorescent light and impatient hunger, you made a sacred moment both comic and reverent. It makes me want to treasure the next quiet, golden moment when something good is handed over, still hot, still steaming, shaped by the hands of strangers who are also part of the miracle. Don't you just love how poetry happens everywhere scent, hunger, bright bags, and waiting. Summer Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Paul Willason
Date: 7/26/2025 2:52:00 AM

Sorry for the delayed reply Daniel. Your comments precisely describe what I attemped to capture in this poem. The elevation of the ordinary into the extraordinary is indeed one of the attributes of poetry and offers an avenue to becomming fully alive in the moment. Sincere thanks Daniel for your thoughtful words. I will accept your Summer blessings gladly...Winter here down under, cold and wet. Cheers my friend.

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 7/23/2025 3:59:00 PM

there is something tantalizing about ordering, picking up, and eating take out. enjoyed the read, Sara

Paul Willason
Date: 7/24/2025 2:50:00 AM

You're spot on Sara....so designed to entice our senses, flood the imagination with anticipation....no escape. Not a bad occasional pleasure though. Thanks for visting Sara, cheers.

David Kavanagh

Date: 7/23/2025 9:22:00 AM

Ah our local takeaway does an amazing (fillet) of beef in green pepper and black bean sauce, for an extra few euros; The plain beef one is a little bit tougher, but smells and tastes just as nice, I’m nodding my head in agreement with all the sensations your delectable poem fires up, it just wouldn’t be the same without the arousal, and those damn seconds that feel like minutes, I somehow feel unsatisfied now lol! Cheers David

Paul Willason
Date: 7/24/2025 2:46:00 AM

Already drooling....my imagination is at the wok, high heat searing the beef, vegetables at the ready...ah I am a tragic when it comes to a good Chinese. Your local sounds like it scores high. Thanks David for participating the feast....so grateful.

Deb M

Date: 7/23/2025 6:30:00 AM

Haha that takes me back to the days l had beef in black bean sauce and chicken chow mein!! I could smell it all as l read! Simple things = huge joys! Thanks Paul.....Soupmail!! Debx

Paul Willason
Date: 7/24/2025 2:39:00 AM

Such memories are treasured...I think we all have fond recollections of the local Chinese take away...we are so indebted to them for educating our tastebuds. Thankyou Deb...pleased the poem made the senses tingle....take care my friend. Paul

Rowena Velasco

Date: 7/23/2025 4:44:00 AM

Paul, a vivid and relatable snapshot that beautifully captures the sights, sounds, and smells of a simple, satisfying moment. Loved the rich sensory detail!

Paul Willason
Date: 7/24/2025 2:35:00 AM

Such an enviroment offers a feast for the senses....pleased that this came through in the poem and you so kindly noticed and made comment....thankyou dear Rowena, valued. Cheers, Paul

Lin Lane

Date: 7/23/2025 3:02:00 AM

Take away or take out, it adds up to me being hungry. I’ve never had Chinese for breakfast but if you’d be willing to share, I’ll be there. Paul, you always give life to your lines. Aroma and taste this time! ;-)

Paul Willason
Date: 7/24/2025 2:30:00 AM

Ordered a double serve of fried rice...would love to share, though heavy fuel for breakfast. I confess, once I get into a poem, I actually can feel the sensory inputs take over...I am there. It is a pleasure for me to animate the scene...I'm glad that it sometimes comes through and surfaces in a poem. Thankyou Lin...so encouraging.