Shy Piece

Last piece dogging
the dish; the table folk
trade glances, then share

that pagkain with a guest
clueless of their cultural
norm: last abstinence.

Ayos, someone says.
“For you, kain!” (smile) I know
how paiseh feels – pink

cheeks meek with health, wealth
of friends – Filipino humor.
It’s just not a good time

to take it.