Soft Smile of Serenity

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." - The Buddha from the Dhammapada

- ฟ้าสาง (fáa-sǎang): "The sky brightens," referring to the moment when dawn breaks.

- ไมยราบ (mái ràap): "Soft smile," a term for the gentle, polite smile Thais often use to show respect or ease social interactions.

- น้ำใจไทย (nám jai thài): "Thai kindness" or "Thai hospitality," reflecting the generous and warm spirit that complements the "smiles" nickname.

Soft Smile of Serenity

Warm glow across, gentle, swaying waters,

The thickness of the air so still,

Floating white flowers dropping from above,

Lush foliage embrace,

My day begins in peace.

–

Far from bustling Bangkok,

It’s vibrant markets and dining galore,

Fine palaces and temples,

Modernity’s structures popping up in every direction,

A rising Asian, star,

Still uncertain which way she turns.

–

In this distant land of plenty,

Mangoes, the manifest of divine candy,

Their sweetness, less only than our hosts,

Kind gentle souls they are,

Walking the way of the Buddha,

It’s Poly Canon elder doctrine,

Remains pure and integral teaching.

–

Young leaders, reflective nature,

Juxtaposing, humanity’s great struggle,

Global capitalism’s extreme edges,

Perceiving competition – winning and losing options,

Wondering how to be,

Right in thought, intention, and actions,

The dilemma of ego mind polarities.

–

Alas dear brothers and sisters,

As a river cuts through forever mountains,

The world infinite power of Love, permeates all,

No lowly force prevails,

Seek not external worldly validation,

Stand firmly in kindness,

For as the actual face of life unfolds,

Your riches outshine any earthly piles of gold.

–

In this kingdom of the free,

Blessed grace be upon thee,

As the Thai sky brightens,

Your soft smile of serenity shines.