Chocolate Beans from Mom

During my time home one fine weekend

sure enough, mom prepared items

for me to take away upon leaving, again

She like a secretary, more than an administrator

always getting things ready

with great initiative

Seated among the toiletries

and groceries

was an odd one out-

a bottle full of

chocolate shaped in beans

From the supermarket

courtesy of mom

probably a pre-incentive for me to study

Anyways she understood my liking towards chocolate

and knew my understanding to need for budget

thus bought the brown drugs for me

Simple chocolate beans,

bring no luxurious enjoyment

but warmth

to a homesick struggler

Love in almond coated with

bittersweet feelings

besides mom’s embedded blessings

I eat one when time is lonely

remembering mommy’s kindness

Take a second when my eyes water

Savour the third before they dry

Bottle in my hand

chocolate in my mouth

tastes of tears among bitter sweetness

A face in my mind

warmth in my heart

satisfaction to my soul

Thanks for the chocolate

© Joel Yap