Nang Kwak

Temples, factories, and workshops.
Billboard bombardment and taxi stops.

Business as usual, a formal exchange,
but in the swollen city, we give each other space
on walkways smaller than sidewalks, every block
another coffee shop.

In the land of smiles, we sip and talk,
find a way to carry it all.

Forget the confusion.

No traffic on the river,
and the promises that come in whispers,
easily broken.

A culture less easily spoken,
Bangkok, the city of angels.
Among saffron robes, come
search for Nang Kwak.

Cover Art: Busy Bangkok Savvy Rick Brown

“I’ll Find A Way (To Carry It All)” by Bella White (originally recorded by Ted Lucas)

9 responses to “Nang Kwak”

johnlmalone

your poem does justice to the cover art and I learnt who Nang Kwat is. I was in the mood for this as I just finished, partly, rereading ‘The Beach’ set in Thailand —

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  I really enjoyed that book. It was a real ‘ride.’ I’m glad you enjoyed this as well. I think if I could have filled in the smells and bit more sounds it would have been just right.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. johnlmalone
    
    very good point —
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Roksana Amelia

Sh! The mystique and allure of Bangkok ….

A lovely read
Thanks for sharing 🔆☺️

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  Many thanks, Roksana. ☀️Sunny days ahead here.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. Roksana Amelia
    
    Thank you ☀️
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. Katie Frances Hartless
    
    🙂🪻💜
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Cindy Georgakas

Great poem with lovely metaphors, K.

“

“In the land of smiles, we sip and talk,
find a way to carry it all.”

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  Thank you kindly, Cindy. Bangkok has what feels like an endless amount of mysteries to explore.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply