Bangkok Noir

When the city's stacked with bodies
six to eight stories high,
how much lack of human decency
does it take to stay alive?

When the internet stream rubs one out,
and traffic lights perspire,
take wobbly steps on sacred stones
where once our feet relied.

And somewhere 'tween the folds of dawn
and the thick spit of midnight,
the White House storefront sells out
of mango sticky rice

and the buildings haven't ate for days,
ribs sharp before my eyes.
It's then I look upon the smothered sun,
ask, why am I alive?

To feed the fleas and maggots.
Foul flesh is free to dine.

Hide deep inside the carpeting,
under furniture, 
along the folds of blinds,
where nothing much can grow, as
foul flesh is free to dine.

Camila Cabello “Godspeed”

Cover Art: Chris Coles

8 responses to “Bangkok Noir”

Bob

Fantastic!

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1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  Thank you, Bob. I woke up to the rib cage high rise next door and had to jot that bit down, but these other lines, well, it’s fun to just let my muse have her way with the words.
  
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tiffanyarpdaleo

Oh wow, this is so good!!! Every line made me wince, or cringe, just great stuff!

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1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  Thank you, Tiff. I let the pen loose on this one, and it did give me a bit of a chill as well. Cheers to Friday!
  
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johnlmalone

great imagery; I’ve been there a few times: overwhelming —

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1. Katie Frances Hartless
  
  It doesn’t stop, truly. I’ve just got to get my writing time in, but the journal’s been filling up, which is always a good sign.
  
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Nicole Smith

Brilliant writing. Grimey.

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Katie Frances Hartless

Thanks, Nicole. I like the scary bits. They seem more honest, somehow. I appreciate your comment. 💜

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