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Yearly Shot
Sitting around the round black table
Filled with sushi, mochi soup, and New Year's joy
My grandpa takes a shot of whiskey
I’m staring in dread
As my turn comes nearer
I think, “Gosh I really don’t want to do this”
It’s my fifth year
And it never gets any easier
It’s my turn
I stand next to grandpa
His hands shaking with age
The whiskey flows into the shot glass
I close my eyes
And take it down
The dreaded sensation takes over my body
The alcohol burns my throat, eyes, and nose
It spreads with uncomfortable warmth through my body
I quickly walk to my seat
Swallow sushi
But the whiskey still lingers.
by Kanoelani Padeken
12th grade, Kahuku High School
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