Skewered

I tell my Tinder date
I was four when dad fed me
stewed dog meat or 보신탕
in a straw hut. 

Another time, while I cuddle her dog
on an Ikea futon, I tell her dogs taste
like chicken nuggies. Is it fair
if she accuses me of looking at her dog funny? 

When I send my dad a video about factory farming
he responds with a lmao emoji, types
in korean—slaughter makes them taste better son—
My dad the country boy, sling-shot snakes
and sparrows for a bag of matdongsan, a b-b-big. 

Wikipedia says 27 million dogs are eaten every year.
Is this why, when I say what’s up dawg, my friend
replies, no dog, cause you ate it. 

Tbh Sally, I’m not even sure
if my dad fed me dog. I only ever
mean to make fun of myself. 

Sometimes, I wish I could be more like my dad
who could shrug off the world
like a long tongue, ready to be snatched
back into darkness.