Tia vs Kimchi: A Vignette

In today’s episode of “I probably have too much free time,” I did some creative writing about ‘This one time, in South Korea…’

Two by two by ‘eww’–
         an egregious serving.
                (I thought it was lasagna.)

“Buddhists don’t waste food” 
                            an imperative for a clean plate
              …but one bite was enough.

Chopsticks waver 
                           evaluating:
                                    no place to hide it
                                    no dog to eat it

It’s watching me–
                       it smells my fear.

gather courage:
          Never give up!
          Never surrender!
                    (…hold your breath;
                                            chew quickly.)

Braced for impact,
     chopsticks in slow descent.

 A hand reaches out—
     “Don’t eat it.” He says.
                              “Today’s kimchi is too salty.”

Saved by the monk.