finish your plate

my mother

was always worried that we

might choke

on our food.

on chicken bones,

or something.

slow down, she'd say.

don't talk with your mouth

full.

get your elbows off the table,

and

use your napkin

not the sleeve of

your shirt.

did anyone here say grace?

stop kicking your sister,

and hey,

you already

had two porkchops,

leave one for your little

brother.

eat some bread,

put some butter on it.

there's more

milk in the fridge.

come on finish your plate,

those lima beans won't kill you.

people are starving in,

we know mom,

India.

it was exhausting.