lists

I just finished reading the book “My Year of Meats,” by Ruth L. Ozeki. In it, the main characters inspired by the Japanese author, Sei Shōnagon, make all of these lists that pertain to their lives. Also inspired by lists, as a list maker myself, I have created some lists with headings from the main characters, Sei Shōnagon, and me.

things that make one’s heart beat faster

bicycle rides in intense lightening storms
songs that match the moment
mountains that fit particularly well into their piece of sky
when someone picks up on a seemingly obscure reference
when rain reminds you of home
when all you can think of is beauty
tree sprouts
affirmations about a part of you, you didn’t even know about

unsuitable things

tiny pieces of mirror that must act as my only mirror
false cell phone claims that they are “always with you”
mosquito nets with holes
sima
failed bucket wine
rain soaked toilet paper
flip-flop burns
bad eggs that one cracks into pancake batter
cats that eat your bread
cats and stray dogs that eat your food in general
one kwatcha coins
budgets
money of any sort

useless time chunks

when no one laughs when someone farts
chats with drunken men
interactions with drunken men
time spent seeing a drunken man approach
waiting on buses that never leave
waiting for meetings that never happen

things that would never be exciting in America

hair extensions
finding eggs for 30 kwatcha
having Malawians enjoy your food
cats that eat rats
termites turned over writhing on their backs
children bringing you water
a restaurant that has what you ordered
cleanliness
weather that doesn’t require you to heat up your water for a bath

unstoppable smiles

spray paint murals
puffs
bare feet on cold washed floors
surprisingly comfortable matola rides
zebras
mail
Malawian dance moves
any dance move
successful bucket wine
mash-ups
funny texts before falling asleep
free cokes
free beer
free meals
just being free