Travel Thailand Haiku - Invincible Ayuthaya Poem by john tiong chunghoo

invincible ayuthaya
they flock even
to your ruins

invincible ayuthaya
a shadow
of its former glory

Ayuthaya, a city in all its splendor, considered one of the finest in Asia was sacked and totally destroyed by the invading Burmese in the beginning of the 18th century. Despite this, it is still the centre of attractions, especially its many spectacular giant buddhas, old palace and new impressive temples.

a sacking and two hundred years
here we meet eye to eye
you still in your seated grandeur
and meditation that holds
the Land of Elephants
in your blessings
even the weather has obliged
you with a new costume
specked green and white
over the original greyish white
of stone made to last a thousand years
here as usual i pray for health for
my mother, my brothers and sisters
and a heart calm as the peace
and repose on your face appeasing
boh kings and peasants