August 2, 2012
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we were in china
long flight
re routed
multiple timesroach motel
tired
30 hours being awakeluggage lost
language barrier
failed attempts at smiling
and conveying compassionBeijing blanketed in enough fog
there was no way
we were leaving tonighti slept in my clothes
as i peeled back my single bed
one layer at a time
checking for roaches
or any other creature
that might prefer the warmth of my bedas opposed to the stained carpet
the 1960′s decor
and the fluorescent lighting
that flickered at random
with no particular pattern in mindwhat i wouldn’t give for a shot of vodka
a cigarette
or a warm shower
that doesn’t require me to keep my mouth closed
from dysenteryor my tooth brush rinsed with bottled water
and a random tube of tooth paste
that reads in a languagei know so very little about.
Comments (4)
“Beijing blanketed in enough fog
there was no way
we were leaving tonight”
i am in love with this line.
I really like this poem. It speaks volume about what’s not being spoken.
@awoolham - it’s a very different place. that sounds like such a blanket statement. but after being there twice now. both being two week trips; in many parts of china. we are so lucky to live in the u.s.a. I’m thinking of writing a book of poems around it. and my two sons adoptions from there.
@thomas_michael – sounds like a very interesting experience especially when you put in context with the purpose of finding/getting/receiving your sons. What a surreal experience. I would love to read the book of poems if you publish it.