Apsara Dance

the night market is full
of things to buy
treasures to try
and negotiate a good price
to find something nice
for back home
statues of Buddha
silver animals
paintings of Ta Prohm
pair of Thepphanom
temple rubbing on paper
made of rice
"i give you good price"
she says as you glance
unsure of this dance
afraid to look closely
for fear of committing
to an unwanted purchase
she searches your face
begins the dance
no matter if you want her to
"twenty dollar for you"
she says with a smile
twirl of the wrist
"how about ten?" you insist
shuffling your feet, she bows
and replies "fifteen" with a laugh
you offer a grin
a subtle sashay
she says "how about twelve"
trying to make the sell
her hips sway
with a curve of the lips
"ok, it's a deal"
and you make the transaction
the dance, the action
of night market shopping
the intimate waltzing
as you go on walking
laughing and talking
exploring the market
for another chance
at the apsara dance