The Fortuneless Pastry
By Gordon Mei
August 26, 2005 (age 20)

After dishes of noodles, white rice, steamed or fried
Come pastries that should come with fortunes inside,
They print on white paper, strips bent in a curl,
The message on paper you're going to unfurl.

But what words will appear once the pastry is cracked?
Not words about fate, luck, or any of that.
Instead come "wise" sayings like "Wisdom is truth",
Or "In your heart lives a compassionate youth".

The intention is good, that is not my complaint.
But don't call it "fortune" 'cause that's what it ain't.