poa is chopping onions
as green as her hands are
white and impatient of
slow elbows,
aspirins and me
her hair is flat like flappers
with a face born in war
and grandpa dying young
of the lungs and so glad is she
that he never met
me in my twenties
i say nothing
to the soup tasting of
red potatoes and disappointment
and stay cooked in her rage
in that voice heavy with tea
and obligation
her knuckles seems to say:
‘i have fed you, raised you
in my bowls and milk attention’
and how i thanked her with
quick doors
those boys
and moments without her
cooking
i carefully ignore her
because i know
this cannot die
she is chinese soap operas
and ginger dumplings
sunday paigow and choking
on traditions of
the good granddaughter
that other granddaughter
who honors the spoon
and wooden sticks
coated in obedience
and salt
so i do not speak
but pour her soup
and bind us again
beneath the quiet kitchen gods
bind us with
rice
&
the jasmine of her face
Author notes
I take care of my 78 year old Chinese grandmother who I call Poa (Grandmother in Mandarin). I love her dearly, but I do not envy anyone who lives with one foot in old traditions and the other in a more modern world.
Because sometimes, I can truly say that all that we have in common is her delicious home-made Jasmine rice.
In a list
A contest entry
- Submissions for Poetry Magazine. by Norman Crabtree.
745 points, ended November 11, 2007, 41 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 67 of 67
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What a true delight this was. Reminds me of family, and generations, and my own dear grandmother, who expressed so much of her affection for us all through the timeless dishes she prepared for anyone who visited her.
As different as we were, while she was still alive (she lived to be 90), I always tried to remind myself that I too one day, will be wearing the shoes of the family elders, and that hopefully the young tomorrows of our clan will look upon me at that time with a curious, and respectful, but loving confusion.
Sometimes, every ounce of endearment from our Poa's and grandmothers is only really seen through their selfless care and unconditional concern for us, through the simple, but neccessary staples, of love, and spanish, or, jasmine rice.
And I think for all of us, that is usually just enough.
Thank you for this, it was a wonderful story.
Antonio
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Loved it, very filling and tasty
Good luck in the contest
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Thank you. I'm delighted you enjoyed this dish.
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Ah, I can relate to this. My Grandma always used to make the perfect eggs ever; every time I saw her she made them for me. It's weird how little things like that can always remind you of them. Anywayyy. I sound like a broken record (or scratched CD, in modern times
) but this was amazing. The descriptions are so unique and beautiful, but hold a sort of bitterness to them. Congrats on the gold, too! 
Jeanette*~
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lovely strong images, i agree with the comment that the poem practically jumps off the page and smacks you in the face. this was a delight to read, the words are so rich maybe because there are a lot of food references but it really works. you have a great talent to be able to paint a picture so vividly!
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Oh Wow!
How fabulous and I just LOVE! jasmine rice. A gold crown.. deservedly so!
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Very delicious poem.
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As always, too kind, sir...
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Congrats on the Gold.
This is a wonderful poem. It's one of those that jumps off the page and gives you a black eye. It's got a life of its own. The imagery in this is stupendous, and your Grandmother is about five hundred times larger than life. The funny thing is, her attitude about life reminds me of Linda Allbritten's poem on my blog. It's weird since she's talking about a steer and a bunch of firemen who don't know how to deal with it since they can't just push a button, while your Grandmother is stuck in a time warp, because she doesn't want to move on. Funny how odd my mind works sometimes. Sort of related by being basically opposite.
Oh well, anyway, this is a fabulous write and that's all that matters.
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Mmmm ginger dumplings
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Congratulations on your gold trophy win. An amazing piece.
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Thank you for your kind comment. It is vastly appreciated.
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Thank you for entering my contest!
This was an amazing write, i just could not believe how honest and provocative this was... You steered away from cliches in a minefield of a subject like this one, and tied in with brilliant imagery of life. People think imagery has to be this high up source of fantasy and amazement, but the image of soup tasting of red potatoes and disapointment... this is life and life as we know it.
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i recall reading this when you posted it, i still think it is magnificent and a joy to read. of this contest, it is the best in the lot, of this site, it must rank in the top ten personal favorites of mine. i admire this poem and the skill the writer shows here for conveying this depth of something so precious..
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Fantastic!
This poem most definitely deserved Gold! Wow, I am so impressed! This piece spoke volumes, the metaphor was brilliant. I would highlight the parts of this I enjoyed the most but I would have to re-type the whole poem! I am bookmarking this one! I am now very anxious to read your other work, Bravo poetess!
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what! Can you believe this I'm just about the only fool on AP not to have commented on this. Well here's my comment (as empty and unconstructive as usual): this is amazing. And I love rice really... this is no exception.
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magnificent
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Thank you for your wonderful comment and applause. This one was special and I am always grateful when others are kind to it...
Thank you...
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Thank you... thank you... thank you...
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lol...no, thank YOU, kitten! You're too sweet!
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Implicit
in this poem is the care, the bond of unlike likenesses.I'm sure you are her ginger, her small and powerful pepper.This had the female/kitchen/generational feel of "Like Water For Chocolate". But with all the layers of available textures, stories, and characters that I expect in your work. Nice, once again, to read a poem five or six times and wonder what I've still missed. Ahhhhh
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Ah, traditional Chinese grandmothers are wonderful. I especially like the ones who get real sleepy on jasmine rice and tea when you are with their thoroughly modern Chinese grand-daughters, leaving the afternoon/evening to indulge in the sort of activities that have made geishas famous for centuries. I mean, what exactly is wrong with that? There are some places in Bangkok that make me think Asia is way more progressive than the West -- and I expect if you know where to look, there may be similar locales in Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong. So traditional Chinese grandmothers are great -- ESPECIALLY if all they know is Mandarin. That way if they are screaming "Why is my grand-daughter's bra in here by the kitchen sink, and why are her panties by the sofa?" you don't have to answer because it all sounds like it should translate as "Excellent choice, Monte" to me....
Seriously, I delight always in reading your poems about your ancestry and its translation in love for family, Darcy. This was a delightful work to read coming back to the site after months of staying away. Beautiful...
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Oh Monte...dearest darling man...where have you been?? I've missed you incredibly...more so than if someone had taken my rice cooker away for a month! Thank you, sweetheart for your most flattering comment...I never feel complete unless your words are splattered somewhere across the page.
Welcome back, angel...and don't ever go away again! -
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Oh, I never really left. I would pop in from time to time, but just didn't have the impetus to write anything while I was here. I also have been on the road constantly -- hell, I'm writing this from NYC as we speak. Nonetheless, I hope to be better about maintaining a presence here in the future. We'll see.
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A work in progress
Of course, Amy Tan comes to mind. I love the imagery of flappers, elbows and aspirin. But I am thinking of 1920s flappers. And when I think of that, somehow flat and flappers don't go together.
Flappers--their dresses always convey movement to me.
I am coming back after a long absence. Let me know how you are doing.
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A very meaningful write...expressed from your heart I see.
Such a nice job!
Thank you for entering and Good Luck!
debbie
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quite nice
i know a poem has something
when i start reading it silently
and then am led to start aloud
i like the simple subject and the simple wordings
theres something sweet about it
reading it i feel at home
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fuck yeh
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you are one of the greatest writers that i have ever known. i always must stop by for a quick fix. you are gifted, and your author's comments are quite profound as well.-- justin
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Sensational write here, I must say I loved the moder versus traditional in this piece and yes it must be very hard to live in both camps.... you have written this is a wonderful way
Karen -
can i say stunning
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beautiful
i love the clashing cultures in this piece, mainly this part:
"her knuckles seems to say:
‘i have fed you, raised you
in my bowls and milk attention’
and how i thanked her with
quick doors
those boys
and moments without her
cooking"
brings me back to youthful times.
keep writing !
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outstanding!
tasting of red potatoes and disappointment, wow!
I like this a lot because it makes me think of how it is said that you should always cook in high spirits
because it comes out in the final dish
i am truly impressed that you could get this much feeling into food!
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Quiet Kitchen Gods
Whew! Its a pleasure to read a write that possess magical poetry and cultural storytelling. Honestly, this deserved gold. Weel, what's important is the honor that you give your grandmother!
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Two generations ago things were much different, and it is difficult for the older generations to accept what is happening now-all the changes are not what they would approve of. Can understand the sentiments written so well in these lines - glad you are there for your grandma, even if you do not have much in common - soup is good - all that matters.
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If you only got the bronze for this, then I MUST see the gold!! I haven't read something this enjoyable in ages.
"in that voice heavy with tea
and obligation"
This truly is an amazing piece.
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excellence is rare
jasmine rice is my favorite rice
yet I wonder how this only won a bronze...the others must have been beyond amazing
just like the rice...you are my favorite
best wishes sweet lady
peace and hugs
Muddy
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Great
I read this poem and smiled because I had finally found one that I thought was worth looking for. Your poem perfectly represents your point-of-view and delivers a complete sense of who the writer is and where it is at. I thoroughly enjoyed this poem. Thank you very much.
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A great poem, really. Not saying that with any hyperbole.
Good stuff.
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Thank you. I appreciate your kindness deeply.
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Wow, what a wonderful poem. I like it a lot.
Amber -
wonderful!
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Thank you for your kind praise. I am grateful and delighted you enjoyed this.
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argh. these poems are amazing. i will make ed be the supreme judge
i love this. very special.
lisa -
oh...i dont truly know what to say..except "wow thats touching" but it's been said already, many times...I really could see /taste/feel your words and found myself there as thought I were you
"‘i have fed you, raised you
in my bowls and milk attention’
and how i thanked her with
quick doors
those boys
and moments without her
cooking
i carefully ignore her
because i know
this cannot die
she is chinese soap operas
and ginger dumplings
sunday paigow and choking
on traditions of
the good granddaughter
that other granddaughter
who honors the spoon
and wooden sticks
coated in obedience
and salt"..... I can just hear her comments about "those boys" and see what her other grandaughter looks like just from this few words....truly, truly amazing
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sticky yet separate
steamy aroma of ghost
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...as are you...
Spank you.
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Excellent imagery, line for line, draws you in and keeps you flowing effortlessly through the write. Beautiful penning my pleasure to read ~Tia
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luscious poetry to devour
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There is nothing anyone can say to define the importance of such a basic food like soup. Like life it appears to be a jumble of ingredients thrown together randomly but when tasted so intense.
wonderful joining of the senses here.
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This is one of the best. In the contest... and that I've read in a while.
Yeah. Jasmine, rice, jasmine rice and poetry. Yeah.
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I think you've got to be one of the best writers on this site! There's something about your poems that I can just fall right into. I don't but just a little about the Asian cultures but I could feel this rift you were talking about in it, between your grandmother and you. It was this subtle thing that I only kind of understand but felt like I shared with you for just a moment. You did an excellent job in expressing yourself here.
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What a wonderful poem this is.
And I love jasmine rice.
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It is the best, isn't it? The rice, I mean...lol
Thank you for your kind comment.
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this is the most touching poem i have read in a long time.
wonderful. i hope you get recognised in the contest
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I understand
I miss Pao, this was deffinently her essence wrapped up in words. Great writtings but you already knew that.
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And this is why I don't enter contests you're entered in. You bitch. I wish you'd just write like crap for once. For me...? Write some crap.
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I will as soon as YOU do! BUWAHAHAHAAAA!
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I do it every day.
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I envy you the home-made Jasmine rice, but also your incredible talent. I could die a happy women if I could write half as well as this. The last two stanzas seem to be what speaks to me the most, though I've never had anyone to take care of who took care of me first
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Soul-stirring and awe-inspiring the way you evoke the kitchen gods---your grandmother leaps up, fully formed and fleshed, 3 dimensional from here, so tight and generous is your compression. Your relationship the way you describe it so very true to life, at least in my experience, and my grandmother isnt even Chinese, but as Southern as they come. I imagine, however, that grandmothers, like mothers and sisters, being universal, are all cut from similar cloth and answer to the same gods. In short, I really do love this one. You are satisfyingly consistent in the superior quality of your work.
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I love this - I have a similar relationship with my grandmother...excellent poem - great imagery and story
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I don't envy anyone that feels ethnic guilt, ..myself nada, as my ancestors are of soo many backgrounds, and none with really strong cultures, that the only guilt I felt was of the old-fashion kind. The Chinese culture, now..there's an ancient one, steeped in traditions and strong history that I can sympathize with the emotional conflict here. You make it so easy to do just that..
thanks for letting us have a peek..
I love the personification, and envy the blatant talent here.
Excellent work, and descriptions..just excellent.
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before i read the author notes, i knew this was about your grandmother... knowing a little of your life and how you fight hard with your inner compassions and the traditional ways.. yet living in the city of angels, you must run ragged with all the mayhem and chaos of the bright lights...
this is a superb piece Darcy..... good luck in this contest dollface.... i'm sure you'll do well
much love from o'er this side of the pond
G.x
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This is just incredible - I appologise I havent read any of your stuff for a while and have now forgotten why! All ofyour work is so interesting and, well, genius to be honest. You put together words and phrases that no one else can to create this unique brilliance. I am really in awe.
I cna never fully apreciate the sentiment behind this poem, but can imagine that it's hard living to somone's expectations when the world you live in doesnt really allow for it.
And the food imagery is just perfect. You are one of the best poets there is.
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Thankyou for the contest intriqued me and you have created something so special,personal and structured so well poetically that I am in awe,everything is intricatelly woven,your imagery and characterization are superb and this,this must be what the contest holder asked for,food yet not food,I must bookmark to enjoy again,to appreciate it and oh in the hope that I learn from it,I don't read you and praise you for points but because your creativity is more than worthy of praise and though I sadly cannot write of this calibre I fully appreciate it,it's soul satisfying,may I add that whilst I fully appreciate too all the difficulties within the generation and culture gap as you care for her I miss my own grandma like I have lost part of me,I too cared for her and there were differences but she remains within my heart as a trophy and I would give anything to spend time with her again in the kitchen,our loved ones test us and try us but they are the only treasures worth having.I adore every line within this poem because each is interdependent on the other within the portraying of all the family mentioned,all inextricably woven.
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this is
perfectly amazing.
i was about to post some of my favorite lines, but there are just too many. so i'll just pick one:
"bind us with
rice
&
the jasmine of her face"
thank you.
for this poem
and for respecting the elderly :]
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