1.
The heat glows again in its enthusiasm.
And I know what you are thinking:
How the variety of seasons back home can
Empty into nothing
But hotness, dampness and thick wet air here.

You think I should be used to it,
But even after a lifetime,
I have yet to be familiar with my moist,
Temperature-driven clothes match-made to me by the sun.

2.
Lonely Planet welcomes us to you
As the land of a thousand smiles.
Mine must be the one not marketed for now, sir, as
You are not worth our trademark hospitality.
You wear me down with your
Bottomless haggling–

You might as well bargain my pride.

3.
I can tell you are not local,
I can tell by the things you do
Only in Bangkok
And only behind closed doors.
The trade I’d admit that
Keeps my table filled,
Our stomachs happy,
And a heart from breaking
If my girl ever takes my place.

4.
I can speak a smattering of English
I am sure you can understand.
But I still greet you in Thai
For pseudo-cultural purposes.
I shall smile to maintain travel guidebook expectations.

But frankly, farang, I am quite tired of smiling.