Ready for War
Ready for War LINH DINH [Vung Tau, 3/18/24] For several days, I couldn’t get out before six, but today, I was refreshed enough to have my first cup of coffee just after 5AM, at the cafe on General Uprising. Claiming my usual table, front, center and looking out, I was promptly served without ordering. Most of the other patrons were outside on the sidewalk. I recognized nearly all. Past 50, they were going on about high blood pressure and, with much amusement, cosmetic surgery. In auburn pajamas with black polka dots, that chubby seller of lottery tickets laughingly said, “They say suction, but it’s really cutting out fat!” Wrinkled thin man, “That’s right. It’s just like trimming fat from pork.” Grave man, “Some need to have fat pumped in. Others to have it sucked out.” Polka dots, “When I went back to my village, they asked if I had a face lift. Ha! Who has the money for that?!” Wrinkles, “It’s good to have fat. The body needs fat.” Polka dots, “Take whatever god gives you. The ...