To be an artist
Poems
Just
Like You
flower
of the night
Round
Table Talk
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Novel
Adonis
Blue (6)
Adonis
Blue (7)
Relay
Writing
Cafe
Evergreen
Cafe Evergreen (4)
(Continued from last page...)
'Let me make a toast'
Cafe owner Varden stood up.
'I'm so glad to raise a glass to you two, Glen and Irene.
I've been with you since the two of you came here to study at the university.
At first both of you were nervous, sheepish, and worried about keeping
up with study and life, but you found that you were the best mates to
help each other, and enhance each other.
'That's been great stuff for me as well
- my cafe has become a place for people from different backgrounds to
meet, share and increase their understandings of different cultures, and
here we are, we have a wonderful couple now!
'Actually, this is the best way to make a peaceful world.
You know, my home, Ireland has suffered from miserable bloody conflicts
for centuries.
It's rough to see the beautiful land of the Emerald Isle devastated.
'And the root of the conflicts is merely lack of understanding
- people categorise others by group, such as religion or race, and fan
the flames of hatred.
But if we get to know individuals, rather than aggregate, we understand
them one by one, we'll realise those differences are subtle and there's
no reason to take up arms.
'If we can increase the understanding of other peoples at the individual
level, we'll notice that the wars at national levels or on the pretext
of religion are irrelevant
- then all wars will be gone.
'So...maybe I've talked too much, but you two pave the way to world peace,
Glen and Irene.
I'm proud and honoured to have you as regulars at Cafe Evergreen.
I wish your love will endure forever, just like an evergreen tree which
has leaves all year round.
Stay with your partner, rain or shine. Forever - just like the Cafe Evergreen!
Here's to a happy marriage for Glen and Irene! Chin-chin'
Food and snacks from a variety of cultures were served as
potluck.
Irene's mother, Mei Ling, brought a big wedding cake made of Chinese sweets.
'Wow, Mom, I love that steamed cake!' Irene yelled.
'I'm glad to have my wedding party with this cake. Thanks, Mom'
'Irene, and Glen, here we are. Help yourself'
Ron, Irene's father, brought fish and chips.
'Oh my, Ron! This is your fish and chips, isn't it?'
'Yes'
Ron smiled.
'I decided to start making fish and chips again from today.
This is the threshold of a new voyage for you two as well as for me.
Glen, do take care of Irene.
I'm so thankful for you, because you are the one who gave me the courage
to start it over.
You have never seen us as different but as members of this society'
'Oh, it's nothing' Glen gave a blushing smile.
'All of you have made valuable contributions to our society'
The dancing time came.
Irene changed her dress into a jasper-coloured traditional Chinese cheongsam,
which brought out the glitter of the emerald on her finger.
Glen took her hands and started dancing.
His uncle Peter was a little drunk and shakily dancing in good humour.
There was a knock on the cafe's door.
'Am I too late?'
It was Lapide.
'Wow, another surprise!'
Glen and Irene were startled.
'I called him' Varden grinned.
'I was enticed to come here by the savour of the unforgettable
fish and chips, master'
Lapide gave a smile to Ron.
'I'm happy to have your fish and chips again'
Ron could do nothing but nod.
'I have some Yiddish food for you guys'
'That's cool! Come on in, let's dance together'
The sounds of dance music and laughter had been heard at Cafe Evergreen forever.
(fin)
This issue's writer: Meg Grace
