Phonsavan, Laos

A stretch and sprawl of plain and hill
Where stones survive the coldest clouds,

You’re jars and trails and scars
Rebuilding your shattered face 
One hammered bullet at a time.

The heart of Laos beats here,
Desperate as a bush-meat market 
Of endangered beasts
Hungry for change, 
Weaving adversity into opportunity. 

You’re a place where 
The long-haired goddess of Hope
Is always itching to leave, but she’s

   A good daughter who always finds 
   One more chore she’s needed for, 

Who never quite makes it out the door.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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