today

tonight i walked home in the rain
and got completely soaked.
i had a cup of chai with
a shopkeeper and his friend.
earlier i learned how to play this
Nepali boardgame with tigers and goats.
we passed a man on the street.
and he wanted us to pay him
because he was carrying a snake.
i would never give someone money
just because they were holding a snake.
we took Saroj to the dentist today to get
two teeth pulled - Saroj has been living on
the streets using drugs most of his life
and has been clean now for several months.
i went to language class and tried not
to laugh at Ben when he mispronounced things.
i tried not to.
today i learned how to tear my bread and dip
with one hand.
i almost bought a bag today.
i had hummous for dinner.
i chatted with a dealer for a while
on the street while i was waiting for Ben.
and i bought a sandwhich for two little boys.
i almost bought hand-made paper today from
a guy who was helping me with my Nepali.
i told him when i did buy paper
i'd buy from him.
my friend asked if i was going
to buy an umbrella tomorrow.
and i said i'd think about it.
i walked home in the rain tonight
and got completely soaked.