“A traditional Polish doughnut, filled with jam or another sweet filling and covered with powdered sugar or icing.”

Pressed close to the window,

grabby fingers and

a snotty nose,

she waits.

Freshly cooked dough,

touched with syrup and sugar

dances on the air.

“paczki, mamo, proszę?”

She begs,

eyes hungry for what awaits

behind the glass.

“Nei” says mama,

not a response

but a commend.

Pressing away from the window,

grubby fingers

and snotty nose,

they move on.