Obento

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.