(no subject)

This poem was written by Arjun Janah (a.k.a., Babui), one of my college friends. He met my mother maybe 3 times 30 years ago. He remained in touch with me over the years (one of the two people who did -- the other one's in Switzerland).

Even though so much time has elapsed, and even though he only saw her a few times, he remembers my mother accurately.

He just sent me this poem:


Is She Gone, Then?

I knew her for a little while,
But still remember well her smile,
Her gentle wit, her calm, her grace,
Those eyes, so kind, that lit her face…

Where has she gone, those left behind
Now often ask, as in each mind
She lives, and does, with each, converse...
If only we could death reverse!

But no, she's gone, and won't return,
What's left is ashes in an urn…
And yet, and yet, she never died,
But only sleeps, from life untied…

Ah come, ah come, then wake again,
Feel sun and cold, and pleasure, pain…
This weekend, we will visit you,
Have coffee, yes, and cookies too…

Babui / Arjun Janah
2007 April 16th, Mon.
Berkeley, California

What I will never serve for dinner at my house...

Traditional Seitan: "Made from wheat gluten, Seitan is a versatile, low fat, high protein alternative to beef and poultry. Its meat like texture and delicate flavor make it a perfect replacement for beef in your favorite recipes."

Preparation: "Traditional Seitan is softer and juicier when thoroughly simmered in a gravy or water."

Serving Suggestions: "Add traditional Seitan to stews and casseroles or simmer in your favorite barbecue sauce and serve on a bun."

Ingredients: Water, Wheat Gluten, Soy Sauce, garbanzo bean flower, soy flour, ginger oil, garlic.

Considering these ingredients, I'm pretty sure that aekiy and rialian will say that "Seitan" is a misspelling, and what I actually meant to say here was "Satan".

I can't believe I found something that is made with both wheat gluten and legume flour.