The scent of fermented
fish reminds me of fall
and windows, the special grimace
of olfactory glands and faces
soon showing satisfaction
from savory and sweet, out goes
the palpable, what zeal turns
sour smells on my breath
In high school, I sprayed
on extra Hollister cologne
to make less odious how
different my appetite
Num Ca Chuk, Ga Teau Baw Baw
fills my spoons, splashes onto my shirt
A welcomed stain
Mom says, Yum Tran, eat more
I think, love you more