Crafting an Identity

Posted on by Reena Saxena

On cosy winter evenings, she delighted everyone
with perfectly shaped wontons and steaming soup

Reluctance fell drop-by-drop like chilli oil or vinaigrette
as she dressed the salad
while planning the outfits she would need
on her impending trip to the Wild West

“You have your fifteen minutes of fame”,
said the organiser, “may be less”
“You don’t receive awards under the glare
of television cameras every day.”

She staccato-ed her way to the dais on borrowed heels
palpably out of her comfort zone-
She raised a toast, delivered a rehearsed speech
in dulcet tones that sounded incongruous, like
red velvet on a hearty chocolate cake

She felt the chill in a strapless gown
and knew crafting an identity in town
was tougher than shaping a perfect wonton

Tuesday Poetics

W3 Prompt #184

34 thoughts on “Crafting an Identity”

  7. Reena, I really admire how your poem holds the kitchen and the public moment side by side. It’s a deft re-shaping of the prompt to suit your purpose.

    I read this as the wontons being more than just food — they’re the outcome of a place where real identity is shaped patiently, with skill and care. The shift to the award ceremony presents a clear contrast without overstating it: the social performance may glitter, but it’s the kitchen that knows who she is.

    “Staccato-ed her way to the dais on borrowed heels” is a particularly strong line as it puts the awkwardness front and centre in the movement. I thought you judged the final return to the wonton perfectly; it brings the poem back to where the real work and the real self resides.

    My favourite poem so far. And deserving of a better response than prose:

    Warm dough on her palm,
    folds remember who she is,
    broth kisses the truth.

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