final instructions

…

I wake.

The traffic noise

bleeds through the walls

and the sun, low in the sky,

sinks behind buildings.

Bangkok.

The aircon unit

emits cold mildewed air,

but I’m fully dressed.

I leave, pulling the door

closed. A sign reads,

“Please take your access when you leave.”

…

On the Skytrain platform

the P.A. system announces the next train

and, on the L.E.D. screen, the lettering travels

from left to right:

“Please take your riches when you leave.”

The rails begin their twanging

as the train approaches.

…

Back in the room, fluorescent lights flicker

then hold against

the dark outside.

I place the white paper bag

on the dresser and empty

my pockets.

Wallet, cigarettes, change, a crumpled receipt.

Along the bottom, faded lettering:

“Please take your side effects when you leave.”

My reflection, unmoving,

in the window.

…