Consideration from the Heart

NAM JAI
--for my buddy Sudket missing while in Phuket during the tsunami.

Do you remember the trips we took
to the white sand beaches of Ilocos?
Do you remember the beach ball
you took from those Italian girls
and they chased you into the sea
and they removed your swimming trunks
and left you stranded waist deep in the ocean?
Do you remember drinking Mai Tais
and Tequila Sunrises in the afternoon
during long rainy days in Makati?

Those were our high school days
in Manila where you showed me how
they say thank you in Thailand
with a short bow, praying-like hands
touching the forehead. That is how I choose
to remember you, my dear friend,
you head slightly bowing
looking through the clear ocean water
for the smooth sandy bottom.