Russell Leong: From the Barbarian Food Truck

(for Jackie, to honor David)

Take me where only a tongue would take me:

Korean and Mexican beef ribs done down to the bone

Mestizo cloud of soy, chili, and cilantro.

Take me where only a hand could take me:

Wedging a watermelon, mango shaved ice, or matcha cream

Between tiny brown fingers.

 

Take me where only a throat would take me:

Hint of lichee, whisper of jasmine

River of coldness down the throat.

Take me where only a belly could take me:

Which now knows no hunger for salt or sugar

Sated as Maitreya, Buddha of the future.

 

Take me where only a writer could take me:

Parked on a corner of New Hampshire & Olympic Boulevard

or Ord & Broadway—L.A. Chinatown

West Hollywood, even.

“Pangs of Love” from Louie’s Barbarian Food Truck,

Boiling and frying, tossing and grilling–

Whetting the appetite of a world without end.

-Russell Leong (Academic editor, professor, writer)