Fire Cracker: Magpie Tale 21, in 55 words

Chinese firecracker??

In 1970 Taiwan

we lived in a house

near the rice paddies.

Farmers used

their beloved and gentle

water buffalo

to plow the fields.

These beasts dropped dung

on the road.

"Ewwwwww".

We were spoiled rotten

American kids.

We would

put Chinese firecrackers

deep inside

the buffalo dung,

light a match,

and run like hell.

"Ewwwwww".

Magpie Tale #20: Tooth Brush, in 55 words

When I was very little,

Mom badgered me to

brush my teeth.

I hated it.

The minty paste burned my tongue.

I cried.

Today I hold the small plastic pan

under Mom's chin

so she can brush her teeth

while she sits up

in her hospital bed.

The minty paste refreshes her tongue.

I cry.

To see other Magpie Tales, click here.