We climb above Cambodia.
Into Thailand.
We follow a king’s causeway upwards.
Higher and higher.
Temple after temple.
Buddha and Shiva.
Vishnu and Ganesha.
Stone upon stone.
Folded lotus leaf offering secrets.
Glowing incense burns hot.
Headless gods keep watch.
Blessing us as we ascend.
The last temple balanced on a sheer cliff.
Slowly falling down.
The open hand of a soldier.
A skinny, dusty, happy boy with a gun.
Unexpectedly and unfairly.
Stops us from reaching the clouds.