Noodles and a horseman

It was when I was in second grade
stuck home for winter break
doing homework
with my mom across the table watching

I am stuck here but I want to go out
make a snowman
play videogame
and run around a field.

the kitchen is full of activity
it is noodles for dinner
so I am stuck here tonight

In front of me a picture with a horseman
wearing a hat with two black feathers
with pointy mustasche
holding a bow and arrows

the horse could care less
who is on her back

because I will give her wings
fly over mountains
through the clouds and sunlight
wind blowing past and move around
anywhere in the sky

The food is ready.

mom has to go out
but I am not hungry
cause I need to give the horse the other wing!

now she's not leaving
food is still there
and I am still not hungry

now she's definitely not leaving
the plate is now on my half-winged horse
and I am definitely not hungry

the fork on the table
suddenly busy at noodles
not in my hands but in hers

and i hold my pencil not letting go
but she takes it away
as my horse gets dotted with crowns

that day, i had my noodles for the last time.

and today i called mom and asked
'which one of the food you sent me goes bad first?'

'everything, hurry up eat them now.'

'I can't! that's why I ask.'

I get my answer but why, does it matter?

as I warmed the pan on the stove
I thought of that cold night
when I had that plate of dinner
and remembered the noodles and the horseman

Tonight, I am writing a paper on the horseman
for my final paper.


Copyright. Alex B.Lim