In a society so poor,
what is striking
is the number of stores selling large flat screen TVs.

In a society with so much pollution,
what is puzzling
is the number of disposable plastic bags for everything.

In a polity where the state-media attempt to control the message,
what is challenging
is the number of cell phones.

In a society with such persistent poverty,
what is shocking
is the multitude of high-end coffee shops.

Perhaps in those smoke-filled cafes,
they reflect on these paradoxes.
Or maybe,
they just sip their coffee.