Averting eyes from
Confused looks;
Combating confused
Questioning with
Silent repose.
Everything was
The same
But different.
Earlier, the day was
Filled with
Difficult songs
That could be read
But not understood
And simple waltzes
Danced by counting
But no higher than four.
Sweeping dirt from
The plastic floor
And woven rug squares
Used for everyone
To wipe their feet
Before stepping onto
The carpet so as
Not to sully or
Discolor.
Earlier, the day was
Celebrated with toasts
From miniature vessels
Filled with plum tea
Bottled by machines,
Each person taking turn
Raising non-spirits
To lips, or politely
Refusing by dipping
Ring finger and offering
Some to the sky.
Questions asked in turn
About hunger and thirst,
Caring and concern
Shown to the careless
Mind jumping ahead
In quiet solitude
Of pink sheets and
Lamps with one bulb
Blown out.
Now, this day is
Closer to ending,
But responsibilities not
Met linger beyond the
Muddy tracks left by
Blue trucks by the river,
A meal is had instead
Off the schedule
That never seemed to be.
Composed 06/25/2012
Author’s Note: If you want to refuse an alcoholic beverage presented to you by your host, you dip your ring finger into the cup and flick a little into the air. This method is only acceptable for men, however. You can also put the glass to your lips and then set it down without actually drinking anything. The more fervently the host pushes you, the more you have to push back. Never tell them that you drink vodka.
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