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".

First 55.

“Say Cheese!
Stand still and smile!
I have to take our pictures.”
Such a long

long time ago.
My family photos, now turned yellow,
Stuffed in shoe boxes,
Bring Warm Smiles

and
Sadness.
I miss
My Father
And
My Brother.
I miss my youth.
If I can just stand still
And smile.