THE BOSSY WOMAN WHO LOVES LAMPS
So what do you want me to buy
The man asks the woman
Tearing a piece of paper from his notebook
Spring onions, garlic, red chili, and some
Interesting vegetables
The woman says
Interesting vegetables?
The man asks, what is that?
Well, don’t buy cabbages
That’s boring
Buy some carrots, the woman says
And some
Leeks
What? Bleaks? The man looks at her, puzzled
No, leeks, she repeats
Oh stop writing notes, just buy some beef
Or some lamps
The woman shouts
Xiaolu October 2005 London