Sembe is a snack that is nice.
It’s crisp like a chip and made out of rice.
Seasoned with garlic and salt is my favorite,
But really I love all colors and flavors.
No, not all, I must confess;
There is one that causes distress.
Prawn or shrimp or ebi in Japanese —
However you call it, the smell makes me sneeze
Fried or scampi or chilled shrimp on my plate,
I would devour them all and not hesitate.
But, oh, what a surprise for me to discover
That ebi sembe is not like those others.
The next time I shop I will read the label,
To make sure ebi sembe stays far from my table.