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Joelle Ruben
Ode to the Jianbing Lady
Oh Jianbing lady
Every morning you greet me in your spotless purple jacket and starched white hat
And you see me, a lone waiguo (foreigner) in a mass of Zhongguoren (Chinese people).
Yet, you serve me with a smile and make my jianbing without onions although
I’m sure my tones are wrong when I ask you
Your hands are quick, your method efficient
You are the master of jianbings
Minus the luxuries of an ice cream man
You have no fancy truck or beautiful music for school children to hear
Only a small pushcart and tank of kerosene
Yet the children love you
For every morning you provide them with wholesome goodness
For a mere two kuai (25 cents)
Jianbing lady, China loves you
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