TRIBAL

ethnic tribes

TRIBAL

 

Dense, cumulus clouds

Loom above Northern Thailand’s Mountains

Peaks partly obscured

Steep slopes of lush green

Dirt roads wind around between villages

Where ethnic people dwell

They speak not of Thai

Just their remarkable dialects

 

Thirst for running water

lanterns and candles light their way

Docile, generous human beings

Welcome visitors to their earthy straw huts

Smiles, few teeth, sun burnt skin

 

Women sweat, work like Trojans

Set out to cut wood for cooking

Steep meters away, the river sustains life

Women trudge, a heavy bucket in each hand

In their sparing moments, they weave, sell to market

Men laze much of the day

Smoke opium, or converge

For their tribal politics

Blended culture is rife with hierarchy

Fated to prevail

 

Author's Note

Abstract Painting by Betty

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

of course...the women work their butts off, the men lounge, get waited on...
back to the roots of how it was at the beginning...if I am going to lend you a couple of my ribs to be born, then get me another apple from that tree.
Bad wisdom.
Great poem...so visual...you put me there.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Jacob, as always, a thoughtful and slightly cynical review....Thanks so much
yours, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Not sure when I got so cynical...mmmm
It's the Cat's influence, yeah, that's it! :)))))

[Betty Hermelee]

I always love your reviews!!!

[Patricia Wedel]

Wow... quite a journey along a mountain trail.
Many cultures do endure... some need a "Cure".
The Politics in the Forest are not so complicated.
I enjoyed the Intermission of another place far from
the maddening crowd. My grandmother used to carry water and gather wood
while my grandfather worked in the Coal Mines of West Virginia.
Later he rested on a family farm in Delaware and died of Black Lung.
Your poetry is enlightening and rests gently on my mind. truly, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Pat for you thoughtful review, really appreciate it very much.
Fondly, Betty