The man named Susa

Susa called her *strong just now
Her father whispered to the girl
Telling her of how he had asked
After his daughter, saying
"I can tell how strong she is."
Her father was given no
Further explanation for this
Susa is Buddhist, deeply impressed
By the girls knowledge of his
Own country religion culture
"You seem to know so much!"
Of course the girl replied, smiling
She explained her own encounters
With spiritualism meditation prayer
Susa proceeded, stories of his family
How he lived, his encounter yesterday
"It was the birthday of the trees."
The girl caught her breath
At the respect one man could have
For all that co exists around him
A juxtaposition of nature and commercial
Scarcity of wealth, yet such privilege
Susa, wrapping a sarong around the girl speaks again
"Everyone wants to know your name!"
The girl seemed sought after, intriguing, a western wonder
She is politely interrupted by an elder
Susa speaks, translating with ease
"This man was asking if you were English."
The girl, her father returning, both nod

Finally, they take their steps into the temple
Susa explains the blessings of the
Holy Water and it' offerings
"You can see this girl pray, place her head under the water"
Nightmares migraine nervous system
All promised to be cured by such

The secret only known between the girl
And the man
Is that the girl is shedding lining
Perhaps the biggest sin
Resisting entrance to the Holy Temple
Of this magical landscape
Pushed aside, alone she waits

Pondering why either with child
Or without
No woman of such is allowed?

© Sia Jane