The aroma of fried meat and diesel fumes
Drifts through muggy air

In the shade of the palace wall
A barefooted woman with a toothless smile
Peddles necklaces made of stone

Laden motorcycles
Flicker through chaotic traffic

Schooling crowds split for
Shuffling saffron robed monks

Traveling by river taxi
Garners a reprieve

Beneath the neon of the night market
A ballyhoo for
Local food, designer knock-offs, and sex
Ensues

Old men
With young companions on their arms
Maneuver through tourists
To the Starbucks on the corner