R & R (Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam)

Under the fading glow of the afternoon sun
the newly acquired Coca-Cola umbrellas unfurl,
flattened against the sky like parachutes.

Symbols of prosperity
lined up along the beach for the sunset –
the biggest (the only) show in town.

I suggest to the owner
he paint out the white squiggly bits
add the proud yellow star
& presto;
the national flag…

No, no, he interrupts
Coca-Cola…
Coca-Cola number one!