Manhattan Mahjong

Manhattan Mahjong

 

 

Chinese neighbor ladies

in silk pajamas

invite moms and aunties

to an aged card table

on Mulberry Street.

Summer air pungent with subway steam,

stir-fry, and sausages.

Cups of oolong tea and demi-tasse

lose their balance.

CLICK! CLICK! TAP! TAP!

Fingers that built a nation in kitchens, laundries, and sweat shops

reset the ivory tiles

painted with flowers, dragons,

and calligraphy.

Raised eyebrows.

The jingle of laughter

in two languages.

J.D.