Outside, pelting rain, fierce wind. Nightfall.
In the hotel restaurant, quiet.
Soft light of candles, batik tablecloths patterned in deep brown, red, black.
Sop ikan kelapa asem, fish in fragrant broth.*

Lemongrass, coconut milk, tamarind.
Condiments in oiled terracotta bowls.
Pickled vegetables finely cut, hot red sauce bumpy with chili seeds,
sweet brown ketcup manis. Sambal.**

Golden koi swirl gently round the fountain in their pool.
A book to read.
Solitude.
I give thanks.


© by Susan Wismer.
Used with the author’s permission.


*Sop ikan asem is a fish soup made with spices.
**Ketcup manis is a sweet brown ketchup-like sauce; sambal is a spicy condiment.