Kampai! Poem by RIC BASTASA

things will be different when you are clean
when you just got out from the tug from a refreshing
scented water with bubbling body shampoo after you
wipe your body with the thick towel just taken from the
laundry shop and then you put some perfume on your body
and wear the new shirt and pants and new socks wrapping
your feet and wearing the new shoes you bought yesterday
and you claim to yourself what pampering is left to keep
this nice body in place and you tell yourself, ' well here we are
in a date about to go to dinner with the pre-ordered favorite
dish at your favorite restaurant in the old town where you were raised by your puritan parents, religious and with so much piety, sent to an exclusive catholic school where you finish your law degree and here you are back to this sandal wood affairs as a lawyer.

at the table your name is written exclusively yours,
an expensive wine beside it the specialty of the house
with the silver spoons and crystal glass and chinaware.

congratulate yourself dear guy, you made it in life.
Cheers! cheers! you raise your glass without someone else
to click it and say Kampai.