Les poissons

It was an open street of poultry and seafood massacre, and a very busy day for everyone at the market.

The word glee came to mind when I saw the fishmonger.

First, I heard “Thwack! Thwack! THWACK!”, the finality of the last chop rang in your ears and delivered the once-whole fish to its different customers.

Then you notice the blood spatters in all directions. Followed by guts and bits of bone flying alongside.

Finally, the smell. The wet, musky and strong odor that fills your nostrils to trigger a gag-reflex.

All while processing this, people and bicycles are bumping against you to get through, chickens trapped in cages are squawking in confusion while someone is yelling at you,

“WHICH FISH DO YOU WANT? HOW MUCH?”

“THE HEAD, THE HEAD, DO YOU WANT THE HEAD?”

January 2010

An ode to les poissons.

Les poissons

How I love les poissons

Love to chop

And to serve little fish

First I cut off their heads

Then I pull out the bones

Ah mais oui

Ca c’est toujours delish

[Via http://shanghaistreetstories.wordpress.com]