the american diet

i used to ask some of

my workers why they didn't bring

a lunch

to work. explaining

as best i could how much

heathier it would be,

and that they would

save money. they'd laugh

and talk to each other

making fun of me.

when i met them

years ago,

coming over the border

with their back packs,

they were slender

and strong, eager to please.

but now

most of them are fat and slow,

not all, but most,

still honest and trustworthy, but

barely climbing up a ladder

as it bowed. sleepily

going through the day

at a snail's pace.

they eat Chinese food now,

the American diet.

fried chicken, pizza,

hamburgers and fries,

sodas to go.

cakes and pies.

they even smoke.

make a sandwich at home

i'd implore them,

showing them two pieces

of bread on top of each other.

and they'd laugh.

we don't cook, they'd tell

me. we are not cooks like you.

we like food to go.