How a Thai Garuda Made Me Laugh
After a dire day, I was watching the sunset from my backyard stoop. However, my evening was interrupted by a Thai garuda. Its enormous flapping wings caused quite the commotion as he perched on my citrus tree. Once the ornate half-man, half-bird settled atop the tree, he unnervingly stared at me. I stared back at him with equal intensity even though I was scared. Then, unexpectedly, he asked me about my day. I responded with shock and silence. By the time I realized I was being rude, he let out a belly laugh that rippled toward the heavens. I began laughing, too. As they say, laughter is contagious. Once the Thai garuda saw me laughing, he flew away into the celestial sky. What an unforgettable evening. Now, every time I have a bad day, I remember the day I met a Thai garuda and how he made me laugh. It’s amazing how a day can turn right around when you least expect it. Laughter truly is the best medicine.
Tanya Sangpun Thamkruphat is a Thai-Vietnamese American poet. Her poetry has appeared in Button Poetry and Z Publishing House. Her poetry chapbook, Em(body)ment of Wonder, was released by Raine and Rose Co. in 2021. Currently, she lives with her two feline overlords and her partner in Southern California.
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