i.
there is a deafening quiet
in the stillness of the park
it is hollow without you
out of habit I strain my eyes
to focus on the row of trees
as I walk back from the station
or catch myself looking out the window
for the 19th time hoping to spot
your brown childish frame
Buangkok boy.
Kang kang.
you brought us together
to save a life, yours
but really you saved me
ii.
it is hard to grief in a manicured city without a heart
what does it mean to only feel the pain of losing you 18 days later?
iii.
Buangkok boy.
you are now in a shelter
with your mother and brother
but nothing gold can stay
word’s out that the land
is slated for redevelopment
in 6 months
can one ever truly be free?
where will you go
when you are forced to leave?
luckless; is empathy a luxury
we cannot afford?
iv.
in my mind you are playing
in the rain
rolling on the
playground turf
greeting me at the roundabout
running and
yelping on freshly cut grass
free
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