A Guide to Making Wontons

as we climb this mountain, our feet

sink into the fleshy folds of earth and I can’t help but think 

that we are all made of mud.

ingredients: wonton skin, watercress, & 1 lb of pork shoulder

three generations of hope in one woman’s breath:

she exhales softly with a wisp of mint.

step 1: rinse watercress & mince on cutting board

she winks and sows hawthorn flakes into my open hands.

home from the market, my grandmother’s sun-baked skin 

crinkles when she smiles.

step 2: slice pork shoulder into small bits

she sinks into the rocking chair

and presses a damp cloth over her forehead.

beads of water and sweat slide down her cheeks.

in front of the bathroom mirror, my mother’s smooth skin shines.

she wipes her face, eroding

step 3: with a wet spoon, mix ingredients until uniform

to a complexion of stone. 

I mold my body from a potter’s wheel:

step 4: trace the edges of wonton skin with water & spoon filling

breathing fire through my mouth

and heaving my hardened tongue with every word.

the sunlight spills over the mountain 

like the yolk of a cracked egg,

step 5: unite the opposite corners of wonton skin

shells disguised as leaves tumbling down its body.

we trudge up the mountain, 

our footprints wider than the soles of our shoes.

step 6: heat water to a boil & add wontons

we inhale, 

then exhale,

the air in our lungs drifting away with the breeze.

step 7: share with family

will you be a good daughter?

how will you remember us?