~*At the Matchmaker's*~
By Amy Lodevico
As a young Chinese girl named Mulan,
I'll never forget that one day when I woke at the break of dawn.
I knew that it was an important day,
To my ancestors I had to pray.
For the matchmaker will make my match,
In hopes of a goodlooking man to catch.
My parents are counting on me to uphold honor and the family tree.
Please ancestors, give courage and strength to me
To the matchmaker's I was almost late,
This was not a good sign for deciding my fate.
The matchmaker gave me a hard time,
Acting as if I committed a crime.
She scolded me that I was too thin,
And looked at me as if I'd never win.
From its cage my lucky cricket, Cri-kee, came out.
Hopping away as it wondered about.
I caught it, and in my mouth it hid.
Feeling how it was disgusting what I had just did.
I took out my fan and took a spit,
The matchmaker looked as if she was going to have a fit.
She then made me memorize the acts of a wife,
I did my best to say it with the most confidence of my life .
Trying to read from notes painted on my arm with ink,
I said the wrong word without myelf to think.
With a glare, the Matchmaker suspected me of cheating.
She grabbed my arm as I felt my heart beating.
She then wiped her face and something smeared!
On her chin a black ink mustache had appeared!
She demanded that I pour her some tea.
In the cup, I found was my little Cri-kee!
She grabbed the cup to take a sip.
Little did she know that Cri-kee was in for a dip!
As nicely as I could, I tried to ask for it back.
She gave me another glare with a look of attack.
I tried to pull for the cup but she wouldn't let go.
What I had seen was quite a show.
Cri-kee had managed to get in her dress,
When the matchmaker screamed, I could tell she was not impressed.
Hollering and out of control, she landed on the hot burning stove!
I tried to help her but she gave me a shove.
What caught fire was her big behind!
Unfortunately, there was no water to find!
In pain, she went on screaming, "Get it out!"
I wanted to smack her and tell her not to shout.
Not knowing what else to do, I tried to use my fan,
The fire grew worse doing what I can.
With a splash I threw at her the tea.
The fire was finally out but she suddenly blew at me.
As quickly as I could, out I ran.
I closed my eyes as hard as I can.
"You will never bring honor to your family!" she loudly yelled.
I felt that achieving honor was forever expelled.
I was confused and heartbrokened that night,
Why do I always fail trying with all my might?
I realized I'll never be a promising wife.
Will I ever do anything right in my life?
Will I ever find my way?
To prove myself someday?
I prayed as I wiped away my tears,
For the hope to conquer all my fears. *~*
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