My mouth waters whenever I think of my lunch
sitting in my new locker
(number 348, combination 36-11-17 . . . or 15?):
hinomaru—one pickled plum on pearl rice—
and grilled salmon,
carrot slices shaped like flowers,
black-eyed peas and collard greens,
and the corn bread.
Mama packed this obento for me, even though
Papa told her a tuna sandwich and a thermos of soup
would be better at this school.
But after what happened in homeroom this morning,
I leave my obento in my locker
and eat the turkey tetrazzini and canned peaches
in the cafeteria
like everyone else.