Take a seat.
we begin with a round of tea scalding
make it two cups brimming with joy hands
fly chefs fry the night begins beckoning buns
by the dozens food for the senses
company for the soul you’ve grown so
much since last time flows by fast
doesn’t it see now my daughter I’m so proud
a dentist soon remember when you painted together
at that place we pretend to nod between bites of beef
somehow uncle’s still going on about something
but the table erupts again and
hands fan like man can
you tell my cheeks are sore from laughing we’re
always honest when the table spins and chopsticks pin
the shimmering duck plucked plated suckling pig
more drinks quick
and mom’s friend’s son knows my bandmate from a summer ago
I correct them not cello double bass although you’re
Close speaking of this place stays
Open for how long more
than enough time for another dish platter sauce splatter
chatter grin chuckle spin the table until it runs dry
no worries we can finish outside
Goodbye and see you again my
congratulations take care
when we meet again you’ll know where.
Ethan Chen is a first year student at McGill with hopes and aspirations indescribable by a mere arts degree. He spends his time either climbing at Cafe Bloc, listening to jazz and hip hop, or finicking with fountain pens far too nice for his handwriting. He is an avid fan of spoken word poetry; Rudy Francisco, Guante, and Phil Kaye are some of his main inspirations. Above all, though, he hopes you have a nice day.