Burma Nights Poem by Rolland Heiss

I shant forget these nights in Burma
Sheltered from torrential rains
With bamboo walls and bamboo ceilings
And dripping bamboo window panes

The chant of monks across the river
Flowing wild, flowing free
Mingle with the sounds of heaven
Singing Burma songs to me

The merchant boats by lantern travel
Up and down the waterway
And illuminate this rippled river
On their way to Mandalay

It's here a shout and there a whistle
And then a silence, save the rain
Until another merchant vessel
Passes by my hut again

And yes, the monks, they still are chanting
Across the river in monotone
But they've been sounding oh so long
It's become a silence all its own

I love these nights in Burma's heartland!
The shillouettes of Burmese girls
Dance softly on their silky curtains
Sweeter than gems and precious pearls

Goodnight dear land of endless wonder
Cradle in your loving breast
The monks, the merchants, saints and sinners
Burmese girls and all the rest.

©1995