THE BOSSY WOMAN WHO LOVES LAMPS

So what do you want me to buy

The man asks the woman
Tearing a piece of paper from his notebook

Spring onions, garlic, red chili, and some
Interesting vegetables
The woman says
Interesting vegetables?
The man asks, what is that?
Well, don’t buy cabbages
That’s boring
Buy some carrots, the woman says
And some
Leeks
What? Bleaks? The man looks at her, puzzled
No, leeks, she repeats

Oh stop writing notes, just buy some beef
Or some lamps
The woman shouts

Xiaolu October 2005 London