Sticky Rice Balls (汤圆)
By Sophie Xie
A seed is planted
Growing in fields for seeasons
Harvested once ripe
Ground into powder
Molded in a snowy orb
Steaming sweet rice balls
Through generations
Parents teaching their children
Kitchens to tables
Crossing the oceans
Bringing traditions over
Rooted in new lands
Although far away
The touching, sweet taste of home
Melting our struggles
Food alongside folks
Different, yet similar
A fusion of tastes
Brought by families
From around the whole wide world
Combined at one place
Delicious blending
Enjoyed in unison here
Gathered together
Artist’s Statement
This is a haiku poem describing how food, culture, and people can come from all over the world passing through generations, and although unique they are still similar and amazing when they work together. It originates from my love for sticky rice balls (汤圆), and I realized that a lot of people from different cultures like it too once they’ve tried it. Communication and advocating is really important for understanding between and supporting each other.