Community Poem

I look outside my window
and the leaves are changing
Young children play in fallen leaves
As older children rake them
Adults have driven off
leaving their families behind to
earn a living
returning in late afternoon
Sound is blowing wind

I look outside my window
and the snow is falling
Young children slide down mounds of snow
As older children shovel it
Adults have driven to work
using great care as they travel on
snow-clad roads
returning in late afternoon
Sound is snow plows coming

I look outside my window
and the rain is falling
Young children play inside
As older children do their chores
Adults have driven to their jobs
watching for the
lightening strikes
returning in late afternoon
Sound is thunder

I look outside my window
and the sun is shining
Young children play outside
as older children watch
Adults are staying home from
work to perform their
household chores
returning to work on Monday
Sound is childish laughter

I look outside my window
and the leaves are falling
The children have moved
and made their own families
Adults have aged and
families left them to
make lives in other places
returning on the holidays
Sound is wind and rocking chairs

Restaurant Review

bd’s Mongolian Barbeque

In the suburban area of Dearborn, there is a restaurant where the menu does not restrict the customer. This restaurant is called bd's Mongolian barbeque, on Michigan Avenue, and it is here that you can create your own stir-fry thus creating your own unique dining experience. I went with a large family party to this restaurant in March of 2008. We had a reservation because of our large party, but reservations are not required. We arrived around two o'clock in the afternoon, making it the late lunch period. As soon as I entered, I could hear the sound of alternative rock music playing in the background. We were properly greeted and led to our tables by the young and upbeat staff. Even though almost all of the tables were full, they were very polite and attentive.

I composed a plate of chicken, beef, carrots, green beans, and baby corn cooked in the Mongolian barbeque sauce. When we returned to the table, our lovely waitress supplied the table with pita bread and rice for anyone that wanted them. I chose to add rice to my dish. The food was a wonderful medley of favors; they speak for themselves that they work well together. The sauce added a nice mild favor to the grilled meat and vegetables.

The only problem was when the bill came. At the restaurant, you pay per number of customers. In our large party, one person had not eaten, but we were still charged for that person. This confusion was remedied and the manager properly apologized.

This is the theme of the restaurant: choosing exactly what you want and how you want it. The customer can choose from a variety of meats, including beef and chicken, seafood, including shrimp and scallops, vegetables, including carrots, green beans, and baby corn, sauces, and spices to create their own unique plate. The sauces range anywhere from mild to spicy. The customer chooses their selection/s from the food station, and then proceeds to have their food prepared in front of them on a seven-foot grill. All of the food is fresh and of good quality, and the silverware, tables, bar, and restrooms were all clean. Most people opt to use the silverware, but there are chopsticks available for the more culturally attuned. The food is about twelve to fifteen dollars and is pay by the number of customers. You can put as much or as little on your plate as you want. You can get a doggie bag to bring home your leftovers, unless you get an unlimited plate, which is the equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The exterior of the building is an appealing red brick, and the interior is decorated with warm golds, browns, and greys, and with wood trim around the windows. I felt that the atmosphere was very casual and fun. I would definitely eat there again because of the pleasant atmosphere and wonderful food. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys barbeque because it is a wonderful twist on the standard barbeque restaurant.