I came from

I came from Rangoon ruby red in the sunset

From London I came with icicles and rain
Bombs and sirens wailing in the wind. No-one
Listened yet all afraid. Cowering in shelters.

I came from Singapore. Lush jungles and hot
Steamy summers. Monkeys chatter in the
Rumbutan trees. Orchids of fuschia grow wild.

From Delhi I came with its flaming heat. Orange
Purple Aquamarine.Sari clad women silhouetted against
Violet puffs of cloud. Swaying to ragas
Pots perched on their heads.
Silver anklets jingle as  they walk to the well
Source of life.

Their chatter so musical
Enriched lilting and lyrical.
Clasped to one hip a naked baby
He gives her joy while the men
Look on puffing their hookahs
Appreciating a society which
Allows them their indolent pleasure.

From India I came
With great love and compassion
For nmy sisters.
Acceptance was the order of their day.
Now it is mine.

I come from Hong Kong
A tiny island culture perched atop a rock
Industry banking money exchanges
That is the orde of the day

No time to smile no time to chat
Time is for work alone. Not for play
Sadness paints the buildings
As they reach to the sky.
Their quest to meet the happy god of wealth.

From Japan I came with its demure dainty women
Hidden in kimonos with outsize obi sashes.
The ginza traded its secrets with geishas
And bankers alike.Nightime dispensed its
Secrets to all who could hear above chaos.







September 6th 2011