A throat tickling ambience
of chili garlic,
Mung Bean paste
and bottles of oyster sauce.
Clumsily, I knock over a glass jar
of curry powder.
A choking mushroom cloud
erupts.
The lady at the cash register
watches me jump backwards
flapping at the spicy miasma.
She is sixteen going on fifty.
Her disgusted frown speaks volumes.
I apologize, offer to pay -
eyes burning.
What I want now is a cheeseburger,
very mild cheddar,
definitely no mustard,
no sesame seeds, pickles
or onions.
A throat tickling ambience
of chili garlic sauce
settles over rows of Mung Bean paste
and bottles of oyster sauce.
Then clumsily
I knock over and break a glass jar
of hot curry powder.
The lady at the cash register
watches me jump backwards
flapping at the spicy miasma.
She is sixteen going on fifty.
Her disdainful frown speaks volumes.
I sneeze, and inwardly apologize
to a pantheon of Chinese Gods
for my sudden and wistful desire
for a White Castle slider.
A little girl came wandering out
She was dressed up to the nines
Like a mung bean munching hippy
But her father claimed she was divine.
She glowed and preened, with a smile of joy
In her clothes of different hues
With a little gleam of confidence
Dealt from Dads’ loves expressive views.
There’s many people living now
That have seen or been that child
New endeavours can bring infancy
Given growth when someone’s smiled.
Encouragement is a precious gift
Helping recipients conquer fear
Motivation aids improvement
Because purpose lives when someone cares.
Remember hugs don’t always come from arms
Warm words they can embrace
Our choice is that we use them right
There’s reward from a fabulous smiling face.
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