What tethers us to here and now, as we loop through time and space? We’re nestled into a tiny bun cha stand, situated on low plastic stools at the green plastic table, our legs slightly bent and snuggled underneath. The two busy women, hard at work, arrange rice noodles, greens, and freshly-grilled meats, prepping for …
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To Fish is to Live, To Live is to Fish
He appears hopeful. Can’t be more than 10 years old, the man behind him cresting 80. Sun pierces water as the boy finds his rhythm, casting He shouts something to his grandpa. Wait. Great grandpa? then continues his quest. The skinny rod in his hand knows this ritual well, the task he has taken on, …
In Stead
We move, often, through this world, woefully unaware that we are passing it by. Take a seat No work today? My team sent me home, not well. I’ll stay over here and keep my mask on He is a craftsman, honing his work and art for years. He cradles my broken screen and gently removes …
Craning
I count them, yellow linked-up beasts. Dragons, in the city of dragons They bring fire, and smoke, engines of the build. And, progress? There are eight on the single construction site. I look for the operators, straining my eyes. This massive government building has been a work in progress for the past year. It’s moving …
In
The in breath and the out breath The lead up to Tet, and the in breath is Deep An all encompassing inhale, filling the collective lungs. All apace and flurry. Every other motorbike carrying a tree in its adorned, symmetrical beauty. These trees make their way across the city destined for front porches, where they …
I’m AfrAId Not
Over the past nine years, writing here has been a source of joy and pride. Joy comes from interaction, from reading the work of talented colleagues around the world, hearing perspectives I would not have a chance to otherwise understand. From responses from dedicated readers. Pride comes from putting in the work. Showing up, doing the …
Pigeon Brain
Two of them flit here and there, alighting on a chosen balcony, on the 15th story apartment building next door. Another seems to be on its own A lone wolf This seems like a good spot it must think to itself But, does it really think things through much, this birdbrain? I spot a fourth …
Who Cares
I’m a bit indifferent towards hospitals Michael Scott didn’t like hospitals mainly because he associated them with sick people. I’ve been at a few over the years. They’ve without fail been places of resilience, calm under pressure, and always, hard work The one we’re at today has more of the same. Service, with a compassionate …
Checkers
I’ve been a hockey fan all my life. Growing up just beyond the shadow of the Canadian Rockies, a life in and around hockey is just what we do. And the Olympics made me sad. I’m not mad, just disappointed Never meet your heroes. I grew up thinking hockey players were good guys, just out …
Lunch Date
I skitter the bike up onto the brick sidewalk, turn off the ignition, and perch my helmet atop the side view mirror Wander across the street and enter my favorite shop Choose a low metal table adorned with chopsticks, napkins, spoons, and a tiny tray of chopped garlic and red chilies As I squat onto …
Get Up Eight 