Surasak Station
He looks my way
Wide open, green-brown eyes,
Made vivid by fluorescent lights,
All broad, giddy smiles
He’s wearing the grey t-shirt I like so much
Covered by concrete and steel,
We wait for our train
As warm and wet tug at our skin,
And lights hold the dark at bay
Like myna birds, we’re drawn to sparkly things:
Neon lights and cluttered food courts
Our train slinks through the sky,
Twisting along towers of mirrored glass
Carrying us, soothing us with promises
We’re gently nudged to our exit,
Seeking permission to fill our bellies
And distract our eyes
At the entrance,
We happily exchange heat for cool
The grating scrapes of woks and plates
Is the hidden toll you pay
For your bowl of Tom Yum soup
Free of the cloying coat of the city’s heat
Seated now, we’ve joined the scraping chorus
Sneakers squish on unfamiliar sidewalks,
Tonight, we’re holding this city to all her promises
Dimly lit sois greet us around every corner,
A 7 Eleven a few steps further
Deep fried chicken dropped in styrofoam,
Lashed with chilli, drowned with Pepsi
That night, promises were kept,
The curious and cunning rewarded
And new plans were made
Before heavy heads hit pillows
He turns my way,
Sleepy, green-brown eyes
Reassure me as we both drift off
The journey continues
