We rode on endless ribbons,
driving through rain-soaked jungle,
low clouds enveloped the countryside,
steam painted the glass.

It was a million degrees
on the inside & not a single
window was open.
Body odors wafted
throughout the cab,
while pigs & chickens
made the usual noises,
babies cried & the locals
murmured in hushed tones.

I was the only ******
lost in the seated crowd
without a cell phone.

There was no way I could make a fuss,
for I did not speak the language
& they'd never understand
a single word anyway.