Why did she believe him? No one knew,

when at last he revealed his great secret

of how to make delicious fried chicken

without using a single ounce of fat.

My secret, he announced, observing Mother

giving him her undivided attention,

is that I fry up the chicken using water.

Unbelievable! Mother exclaimed,

Who would have thought—my son!

I could eat your delicious chicken all day

and never have to worry about my waist!

Now if only your father could learn such tricks,

Mother sighed, letting her teeth sink in

to a large thighbone dripping with grease.

And how rich and crispy you've made the skin,

she exclaimed as brother added another breast,

and two more slippery thighs to her plate.

Water, water, it's all in the water,

brother insisted, letting his dark eyes settle

on Mother, still scarfing up the meat.