Like an east wind

Like an east wind,
I fly down the stairs
My gym shoes— half on—
land on cold,
wet pavement

My thank you sails
like incense
through the crisp,
spring night
I hug the warm
paper bag

We bow our heads,
say nothing,
then I pour your broth—
melting the pink pork
into brown—
warm between
the stiff, white sprouts

I clasp my bowl of rice
with both hands—
the snowy grains
bed the black meat—
moist to the smell

then the spoons clink
and metal chopsticks tap
against the plates

We start chewing—
and both forget
the angry words
we said today

1. What is your *general* term for the rubber-soled shoes worn in gym class, for athletic activities, etc.?: gym shoes, tennis shoes, sneakers, jumpers, etc
2. Argyle
3. Tank Noodle – Pho; they deliver!