Patpong Market

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The ladyboy selling
sunglasses

Smiles at us when we stop
at

Her stall.

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"1000 baht," she
says

As Gary handles a
pair

Glistening like the tusks of an
elephant

Caught out of the corner of an
eye.

"300," I say

And we settle on
500.

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"I think we've been had," I
say

As we head into the
interior

Diesel bags hanging like
chandeliers

Buttressing our
ears.

"I guess so," says
Gary

And I am saddened and think how
often

International relations are
soured by economic

Concerns.

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On the way back to the skytrain
however

We pass the ladyboy and she
smiles.

It is sweet

Like molasses dipped in
cherryade and served on a

Silver plate.