戊戌狗年

戊戌狗年正初三
各路聚在华府林
今年不在二姑楼
热锅二汤围桌栏

表姐寻买白肚鱼
清蒸鱼卵沾白醋
甜香带苦肉细质
口口怀念阿婆时
猪弟一言点到诉
九年春节不再同

吃饱喝足台面开
玩牌点满二十一
庄家碰到五龙台
来来去去接欢喜
公公婆婆在天望
满脸喜悦见一家
— 18/02/18

Commentary: We gathered at Jentson’s place on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year this year as Aunty Grace’s place is not availa-ble. We had steamboat dinner with 2 different soups and Lindy bought some Rabbit fish for steaming. Dipping into vinegar, the flesh was smooth and delicious. With every bite, the thoughts and conversation were about Grandma. Images of Grandma’s house in Sims Drive and the scene at my place every Chinese New Year came back. Jentson summarized it succulently – Chinese New Year for the last 9 years had not been the same after Grandma passed away in 2008. Jentson had even tattooed Grandma’s death date on his chest. I do miss her a lot. However, I hope Grandma and Grandpa can be consoled by seeing us together.