Chai mon kon Wat

Inside, the steep red roof with

silver bird heads dripping skyward

at the apex and edges barely

breaks the cloud top of green trees.

The narrow white, wat walls are

trimmed with no doubt blues,

reds and embroidered with gold

that shines back as bright

as the morning sun itself.

Outside, a peacock with a tiny top-knot

on its head and a round button eye

struts past a large silver-barred gate

trailing its long fan in the dirt road.

It moves with the sexual reluctance

of an exotic Vegas show girl or a

hideous drag queen enticing us in

every step with something longed for

and unknown.

FG October 18, 2012

All right reserved by the author, Forrest Greenwood.

I walk by this wat everyday, and yes, I do see a peacock once in a while.  Chunky isn’t sure where the wat’s name comes from.  I break its name up for the sake of transliteration.