Appearing like a serpent, its mouth opened wide
At early dawn we approached, through fisher and boat
Slowly, we entered this strange new world with the tide
Since forty five, the west had not seen Siam’s coat
The smell of incense along the sweet mossy shore
Beautifully adorned golden temples, they shine
There were large ships moored amid stream, both aft and fore
Making slowly for Bangkok, we stood, our whites fine
Entering the crowded harbor, wonders we gaze
Anchor let go, we were the first since WWII
Liberty launch to shore, we all stared in amaze
Rushing ashore, things to come for us, not a clue
The kingdom of Thailand raises her pretty dress
I leave this exotic jewel, my head a mess
Slowly, we entered this strange new world with the tide
Since forty five, the west had not seen Siam’s coat
The smell of incense along the sweet mossy shore
Beautifully adorned golden temples, they shine
There were large ships moored amid stream, both aft and fore
Making slowly for Bangkok, we stood, our whites fine
Entering the crowded harbor, wonders we gaze
Anchor let go, we were the first since WWII
Liberty launch to shore, we all stared in amaze
Rushing ashore, things to come for us, not a clue
The kingdom of Thailand raises her pretty dress
I leave this exotic jewel, my head a mess
© Copyrights G. Jones 2006
Author's Note: Sailor's Sonnet Series
This is from my memory of sailing up the Bangkok river in 1977. We were the first U.S. destroyer to visit those waters since 1945.
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