Favouring tongue bears favouring speech;
So did she tell me in Cantonese
and as difficult an art as crochet
easily differentiates a novice;

I smiled instead,
for words were none
almost like the empty coke can
holding to quench my thirst
on a blank summer afternoon –

Well so does it happen
my empty smile betrayed me
giving away secrets of soul
as always like a traitor;

How long have you been here –
in pure honey coated brisk mannered
English she speaks - - -
I still smile back at her
entranced .. well almost
smiling foolishly …