Gnarly old cat, once white, goes about his business Leaving traces for other gnarly cats to know he's about. Head low he moves with deliberate steps, listening behind him. The police man doesn't whistle as the cat treads on the grass.
Category: Shanghai
Tianzifang
To the cunning vendor at Tianzifang: I ate both of those marshmallow-filled, synthetic durian flavoured sticky rice skin balls, whether I wanted to or not. On principle. If you're going to charge foreigners the same price for one sweet as you charge your countrymen for two, you'd better be sure laowai doesn't have enough stealth Chinese … Continue reading Tianzifang
Sensory contrast
My hotel in Shanghai is a beautifully restored art deco building, with lavish appointments including marble windowsills and bench tops, decorative crown mouldings and tasteful decorations. Entering the hotel, with bell boys making eye contact as they greet you, a subtle floral scent welcomes you as you make your way down to the reception. There … Continue reading Sensory contrast
Flower bud
Flower bloomed too soon Showing the promise of pink Inside browned petals.
In the People’s Park
A white woman practices tai chi earnestly. Her movements are precise. She bends deeply, flexible and strong. Her face contorts in concentration. She studies with an honoured master. A calligrapher sets up his materials A brush, a pot of water, the path His movements flow like his water As he dances his ephemeral poetry. The … Continue reading In the People’s Park
Sarah Bonnar 