At the table next to us in the dim
sum restaurant, there's a young couple
out on a date. They lean over the menus
and toward each other, as if bringing
their heads closer will help toward
consensus. She's cute and dimpled:
hoop earrings, high ponytail bobbing
like a friendly otter. Aura confident
as the lilt in her voice. Two smiling,
long-haired waiters circle the table: they
went to school with the girl. She claps
her hands at their excellent suggestions—
fantail shrimp, black mushrooms with sea
cucumber; pan-fried noodles, turnip cake.
They flirt, knowing exactly what they're
doing, while the boyfriend laughs politely
and nods his head. Carts rattle past
like vessels bearing miracles from other
worlds. We dip dumplings into pools of chili
oil, ears bent to banter and conversation,
knowing full well the performance of desire
loves an audience. Some of us are struck
with recognition, some pretend this
has nothing to do with us at all.
Purveyors of fine poetry since 2003.
