OGRESS

By the docks of Koh Samed

There’s a guard,

A fierce ogress,

Her mouth a vicious grin,

With the figure

Of an epic’s goddess,

Her face vile

From her hairline to her chin.

But now she’s set

The task of sentinel,

This gruesome beast

Of Phra Aphai Mani,

Her back towards

The craft-crammed fishing port,

Schemer, mermaid-eater,

Bogus beauty.

She laughs at the offspring

Of Sukhumvit,

Arriving to play

On the isle today

Under the gaze

Of Nang Phisua Samut,

Who can surely see

‘Round to every bay.

A suntanned man stares

At her from the pier,

White-bearded, grey-green eyes,

Thirsty for beer.