The Melody of Breakfast
By Amaris Lim
When was the last time your ears captured
the steady beat of the spatula against the pan—
stirring seasonings that reminded you
of handfuls of sand?
When was the last time your ears enjoyed
the mysterious hum of the water dispenser tune
filling up a cup with the scent of coffee
while sunlight seemed to rise too soon?
When was the last time your ears cried
at the deafening whir of the blender’s flight
just a little too determined to transform fruit
with movements that were smooth and light?
When was the last time your ears noticed
the tap of the knife against the chopping board
slicing toast and berries so intricately
that your eyes didn't even have time to feel bored?
When was the last time your ears worried
about the slightly exhausted breaths of your mother
as she hastily rushed to place more food on your plate
so that you could begin eating earlier?
When was the last time your ears wondered
about the notes that the birds used to sing outside
as you stared longingly out the window
and sleepily ate inside?
All these memories -
spatula, coffee, blender, chopping board, mother, birds
so hard to allow them to return
yet surprisingly easy to describe with words.
But then, what is anyone to do about such things
in a world that moves too quickly -
in a world where even the simplest pleasure
of the melody of breakfast
moves too slowly?