Fables

We have salt from sieving sea water 
through singed husks, charcoal, and ash.

We have stars because a woman took off 
her adornments to pound rice in the mortar.

We have pineapples because a child 
couldn't find anything she was asked to find.

What of the origins of fire or flood, drought or war?
Centuries ago, boats with cannons landed on our shores.