June and Winsome
sit side by side
like Ceylonese figurines,
with their thin straight hair,
flawless oriental skin
and cumbersome bodies
draped in bright colours.
They speak of jalapeno chillies
(cheap from Safeway)
of watalapams and string-hoppers,
of stew with coconut sambal.
Their voices are cultured
without being pretentious,
their eyes bright
without spectacles.
We kiss goodbye
lightly on both cheeks.
Their hands are cool.
Their Sri Lankan heritage
clings like perfume.
They have seduced my eyes
and inspired my pen.
Alison Cassidy
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sri-lankan-widows/
