Christopher Shay, 'Red
Umbrella'
midnight in
Bangkok
camouflaged
door
where the deals
are
done, bargains struck
goods exchanged
head down
shoulders hunched
walk away
with your
precious
stash of
hash tucked inside
a tiny scarlet bag
smoke it
blow it
get on with
it
it's your life ~~
you'll need that
lovely red
umbrella
for rainy
nights
in Bangkok
Very well written!
ReplyDeleteYou paint quite a picture with what's left unsaid.
ReplyDeleteThat's all it needs, a few well-chosen words and we're in Bangkok without ever having seen it before.
ReplyDelete"Mother's little helper" A mystery that makes me want to know more.
ReplyDeleteWonderful how the setting composes itself around the red umbrella so it easily takes on more meaning than first anticipated.
ReplyDeleteJust a few words but you brought us there with you in Bangkok at midnight. Rain it may be, but what a great time to just have fun. Great read tonight Helen.
ReplyDeleteI love what you captured here in what was spoken and unsaid. Wonderful writing Helen!
ReplyDeletestash of hash tucked inside
ReplyDeletethat tiny scarlet bag
A risky endeavor where it can lead to misery not so much for the addicts but the carriers. Most were tricked into carrying them without knowing. It is good you highlight the danger Helen!
Hank
Dearest Helen,
ReplyDeleteAm afraid that one does not have to go all the way to Bangkok for this very scenario.
Hugs,
Mariette
I read this and was reminded of the song One night in Bangkok "One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble / Not much between despair and ecstasy" I can feel both the highs and lows in this write.
ReplyDeleteI saw "Chess" years ago in St. Paul, MN ... will never forget it. I have the CDs and listen often. I could probably sing most of the music from memory. LOL
DeleteYes yes yes.
ReplyDeleteI felt it from the very first line! Well done Helen...
ReplyDeleteFantastic, Helen - you took me right there! I love the way you observe detachedly, without any judgement, it leaves the reader a role in deciding what to make of the scene.
ReplyDeleteAn evocative poem, Helen, with its splashes of red among the seedy streets. I like the internal rhyme and the rhythm of ‘stash of hash’ and ‘smoke it / blow it / get on with it’.
ReplyDeleteI am way too high — come on over and fly with me! I will be back earthbound tomorrow to tread.,!
ReplyDeleteA few details unfold a lush exotic foray into a foreign night like, well, a red umbrella opening! Loved it.
ReplyDeleteI now remember that song... One night in Bangkok... love that umbrella, which also made me think of Hong-kong.
ReplyDelete