Love Poem: Chopsticks and the Moon
Ilene Bauer Avatar
Written by: Ilene Bauer

Chopsticks and the Moon

I learned to eat with chopsticks
From my spouse, on our first date.
It added something magical
To everything I ate.

He also taught me how to tell,
By looking at the moon,
Whether it was getting bigger
Or would disappear real soon.

 I told him that I understood,
Though often I would guess.
Was it waxing? Maybe waning?
Just one answer would impress.

But after years together,
He’s convinced I really know.
It’s one of his accomplishments
Of which he likes to crow.

He’s very wrong when he insists
That sums up all he’s taught;
For waxing moons and noodles are
A speck of what I’d sought.

Since marriage is a partnership,
There’s so much give and take;
And to think one person’s given more
Is sometimes a mistake.

I’ve been lucky on the getting side
Despite my husband’s doubts,
For the treasures I have reaped
Have far exceeded any droughts.

When I reminisce I can’t forget
Those moments opportune
And the charming way it all began -
With chopsticks and the moon.