Bici Bici! ”(Same To You)

I iron our sheets so painstakingly perfect it gets on your nerves. Recite some Chinese poetry whilst I’m at it. Something about sleeping so intently it’s like being ironed to the sheet. “That’s a great line! ” you beam. I prepare our bed which now appears to be a blue silky pool startled with red rose petals floating on its surface. I iron a brace of pillow case ask you would you like to share pillow & sheets with me. You kiss me on the nose. “I love this Chinese stuff! ” “It’s so...sensual! ” “But I should warn you...! ” you warn me “...there will be very little sleep tonight ...alright? ! ” “Aiya! ” (“Oh, my! ”) “Ai! ” “Ai! ” “ Ai! ” (“Love! Love! Love! ”) I chant relishing the promise of her threat. “Bici bici! ” (“Same to you! ”) “Bu Kèqì! ” (“Don’t mention it! ”)