Mönche im orangenen Gewand
Entlang dem Strassenrand
Die Körbe für Almosen ausgestreckt
Die Hälse der Touristen weit gereckt
Die Orangenen gleichmütig
Die Menge fotowütig
Die aufdringlichen Verkäuferinnen gierig.
Die Frage nach Moral schwierig.
Alsbald die Mönche von der Dämmerung verschluckt
Ist die Welt zurück in die Realität gerückt.
Geschrieben in Laos, nachdem ich Teil des Schauspiels war, wie Mönche jeden Morgen früh ihre Tour durch die Strassen von Luang Prabang machen. Als Gebende, als Fotowütige und als Kritisierende. Beschämt, dem Drang nachgegeben zu haben, diesen Moment fotografisch verewigen zu wollen und geehrt, Zeuge dieses ehrwürdigen Zeremoniells gewesen zu sein.
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Monks in orange robes
Walk on city roads
Baskets streched out, asking for alms
Tourists craning necks, no qualms
Scholars, even minded and serene
Tourists shooting pictures, upfront mean
Pushy vendors, greedy day in and day out
Morals and ethics? A delicate subject, no doubt
The monks, soon swallowed by the morning light
Make the world change back into reality’s sight.
Written after experiencing the beautiful morning ceremony of the monks in Luang Prabang, Laos. Giving them alms myself, craning my very own neck, taking pictures and criticizing it all at the same time. Ashamed to have given in to the urgence of wanting to perpetuate those moments and highly honored to have been given the chance to witness that sacred event.
Kim Faraway 
it is almost 10 years since the last time I visited Laos and Luang Prabang. I have great memories and you helped recall some of them with those vivid words.
Indeed very strong mornings.
Thanks for your words Dhyan. Luang Prabang is a beautiful city. Outside the city center still traditional and magical, in the city center kind of two-faced. Tourism already left it’s ambivalent footprint. But, nonetheless an absolutely fascinating place.
yes, I can guess it is so. I have been to Laos on 3 occasions (about a year and Half apart) and on each time to change was massive (as more than 25 new guest houses in Vang-Vieng). The worse changes were of course starting to see bad sides of society – baggers in the streets being the best symbol.
But I hope the people stayed so wonderful as they were. I have met happier or more playful and welcoming people than the Lao people.
Oh yes, the people in general were awesome. Very smiley, very friendly, a bit shy. Also if you pass a shop or a restaurant, they’re very decent, you can have a look, if you buy something, they’re happy, if not, it’s ok too. I liked Laos a lot and it would have been nice to explore some more of the countryside… Maybe next time… Just read „A Man Waiting for a Woman“… Love it.
Yes, country side too was wonderful. It is almost a shame that India have stolen my heart and I didn’t return again.
Glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for letting me know. Deeply appreciate it.