I wrote this piece after my first week in Ho Chi Minh City when the shiny, novelty of the city wore off, along with my adrenaline. Photo taken on July 2 from the backseat of a motorbike, somewhere in Ho Chi Minh City.
I found peace in the back seat of a car
The language barrier left me to my thoughts
Neon Lights blur in the distance
The constant roar of motorbike engines whizzing all around –
the honking.
You get used to it. Eventually.
It melts into one sound,
that plays on repeat. Identified and filed under “City Noise.”
Yellow light
Yellow light
Yellow light
Crossing a body of water
A city reflected below
The city above. Alive.
To be discovered.
To be uncovered.
//
I found comfort in the night sky
Neon Lights above my head
Warm humidity hugging every inch of skin
Less People to dodge than under the sun
Easier to blend. Maybe.
The height gives it away. “Foreigner.”
Motorbikes
Motorbikes
Motorbikes
Still.
I don’t think they ever stop
//
Walking around as if this city is mine
Neon Lights over head
A tiny alley
A broken sidewalk
The thrill of Something New around every corner
a new face
a new friend
a hidden bar
an overpriced drink
Just like home,
with the smoke,
and the music,
and the drag
//
Under Neon Lights
Where my anxiety subsides for a moment
Breath in the night’s energy
It itches at the back of my head
Jaw Clenched
Always too tight
A drink to ease the nerves
Or something to hold
to look like the nerves are at ease
Either way, it works
//
A cab ride home
Under Neon Lights
Neon Lights
Neon Lights
“City Noise” soundtrack plays again
The motors and the beeps and the voices fade away
Numb to the sounds
Thoughts to myself
Over a river
Halfway there
Under Neon Lights
Where I feel at home.
//