Scallion Pancakes

Scallion pancakes

are essentially sponges.

Sponges of fried dough,

with a few green slivers

scattered inside.  Just enough

to give the dish a name.

But many good foods are sponges.

For soy sauce or syrup,

or broth, or liqueur.

We learn in youth

that we shouldn't run 

our fingers through sticky pools, 

no matter how sweet 

or succulent they may be.

So we strive to create a perfect vessel.

Something to cordially carry 

the liquid flavors to our mouths.

But no matter how much 

we elevate these inventions,

they are really just 

glorified sponges.