At the risk of sounding sentimental

Orchid Tree, Hoi An – January 3^rd, 2020

On my way to our Summery Villa

smoke from BBQ meat on a grill fades into

Redolence of the orchid tree:

fragrant cloud of purple pink flowers

Colored light green leaves:

two halves of a heart or a butterfly?

Humid is the night air, and warm.

Biking cuts a cooling breeze.

Incessant honking motorbikes

eventually left behind

Daringly, I have learned to weave

my way between them, pedaling bravely.

passing karaoke bars with neon lights

and loud melancholy lyrics

in a language I don’t know.