is it really so rude
to choose
not to use
chopsticks

a fork
a spoon
work so much better
even fingers
in a pinch
who’s idea
was it to eat with sticks

why spend time
fighting with the food
when satisfying an appetite
is the point of feasting

don’t complicate
the meal
with snow peas slipping through
and rice
that doesn’t adhere to
what would be
a whittled piece of wood

is this a cultural test
for those who didn’t grow up
with wands or rods
consuming food
without a place setting
you know
the ones who say
no elbows on the table
you’re not in a horses’ stable
really
who eats in a stable besides the animals

there should be no shame
in eating your own way
who has the final say
as to etiquette

are you done
spoke your piece
please now
pick up the sticks
let’s eat

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