She showed me photographs
Reminisced about the good times
Nights in Phnom Pehn when her hemline stopped high above her knees
and no one thought twice
Hair heavily highlighted
Dancing until daybreak
There was longing in her eyes
She spoke of hopes for true love
Didn’t care if it’d take her a few divorces to find it
Never mind the judgement
Never mind the whispers
She shared dreams of travel
Of escape
Wondered why women in this country rarely had the chance
or desire
She marveled at my courage, my independence
I marveled at hers