June and Winsome br sit side by side br like Ceylonese figurines, br with their thin straight hair, br flawless oriental skin br and cumbersome bodies br draped in bright colours. br br They speak of jalapeno chillies br (cheap from Safeway) br of watalapams and string-hoppers, br of stew with coconut sambal. br Their voices are cultured br without being pretentious, br their eyes bright br without spectacles. br br We kiss goodbye br lightly on both cheeks. br Their hands are cool. br Their Sri Lankan heritage br clings like perfume. br They have seduced my eyes br and inspired my pen.