Bangkok on the King's Birthday

(an unforgettable experience - December, 2009)

Bangkok on the King’s Birthday

I can't lose sight of my group
must keep my eye on the guide,
the man waving his red flag
above the crowd. Keep walking
no matter what. I can't get lost.

When the guide says cross the street,
I weave between cars driven by crazies
who follow no rules. I rebuff fear to
survive. My heart pounds, excitement
blends with fear. Don't falter. Move.

We sweep through the streets
with a throng that extends in all
directions and moves as a wave.
There is no escape from the horde
this day all Thailand celebrates
with fervor, especially here, Bangkok.

It is the King's Birthday, a national
holiday with parades and revelry,
Car horns blare. Bells ring. Sellers
hawk wares. Locals wear shirts
of pink, the king's favorite color,
wave yellow flags as they shout.

I stroll through the grounds
of the ornate Grand Palace with
its numerous elaborate structures
adorned with gold, red roofs,
ornate spires, but always keep
my eye on the red flag ahead.

From out of nowhere a group of
school children heads right into
me. They shove as they press
in the opposite direction. I resist,
use my elbows as ram, keep my eye
on the guide’s distant red flag.

I know I must not panic, wedge
my body between members of
the advancing throng, forge an
opposing path. If I fall, I’ll be trampled.
If I lose the guide I’ll never find him
again. I continue to push forward.

At last I outmaneuver the crowd
reach the peaceful spot where
our guide awaits. Safe. Secure.
We make our way to see the
gold reclining Buddha. Inhale
exhale, I relax in his golden calm.

A view of part of the Grand Palace in Bangkok - red roofs, gold, spires.

The Reclining Buddha