BANGKOK/HANOI by Joy Magezis

Photo - Joy Magezis Save/Print Article as PDF BANGKOK Golden Buddha splendour resonating with Thai Chants I join in vibration at home in foreign land Suddenly in majority of black haired Buddhists I find deep peace sitting on Temple floor Bangkok towers sprawl between dilapidated homes Posh Air Con Malls and Humid Market Stalls Pollution blocks the sun Skywalks above teeming masses King powered nation Skytrain speeds on Such friendly smiles We all bow with ease Buddhist well wish and Capitalist drive River bustling artery boat called by whistle longtail, pirate, tour express boat that stops We jump on crowded with mix Monks, shoppers, tourists Thai, foreign together Lunch at water's edge I can say 'not hot' Anabel and I share synchronicities in our lives Bargaining at bazaar Dad would be proud Thai silk beauty in parents' gift to me                                                           Photo - Joy Magezis HANOI Hanoi bustle Learnt to cross street Focus and trust walk slowly forward Walking meditation on Hanoi streets silent solidity in midst of buzz Motor bikes zoom everyone sells food, fruits, all goods we breathe by Down to the lake along the path Traffic whizzes Water softly ripples I choose the lake Green growth Pagoda centre Being the beauty   Joy Magezis travelled to Hanoi as a member of the official delegation of Zen Master, author and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh. His return to Vietnam after 39 years of exile was a moving experience, which she recorded in a series of poems in her new book, The Universe for Breakfast - www.universeforbreakfast.co.uk Joy worked for many years as a college lecturer. Her introductory book on women's studies has been published internationally. She now works as a Reiki Master teacher and practitioner. -  www.reikjoy.co.uk