“Burgers and Ink” written by Sam Simpson is a charming glimpse into the thoughts of the author’s five year old self, where he describes an experience he had during a meal at his favorite restaurant of the time. This incredibly descriptive piece puts us directly in the scene as we read about the smell of greasy french fries and Sam’s excitement to have a chance at the claw machine near the entrance. We learn about the routine Sam and his brother have fallen into: scarfing down their food and waiting for their mother’s approval before hurrying to the game. With experience, a game plan and the determination to win, Sam nabs a stuffed animal, however then becomes fascinated with a man who has an arm inked with numerous tattoos. This observation leads to a hilarious encounter where Sam tries to rub off the tattoos with a dampened napkin.

     As a person who was also a child not too long ago, I have similar memories to the one that Sam describes. Specifically, I remember going to a restaurant quite similar, except instead of poring over a game, my cousins and I were obsessed with the popcorn machine. We were mesmerized as we watched the kernels pop and the best part- free refills. In Sam’s writing he manages to make us see through the eyes of our younger selves, the way he writes almost as if we’re right there with him- curious and not afraid to approach strangers. The innocence Sam portrays in his piece brings me back to the days of my childhood, when popcorn was a priority and all I could think about was convincing my parents for another bowl.