Shared with dVerse Poetics: “I Have No Word in English For”. Anyone familiar enough with Thailand will intimately know this phrase. A calm acceptance? There’s nothing to be done? Fuggedaboudit? I’ve left the phrase ‘nevermind’ like this as Google Translate also maintains it and it obviously references the slacker album from Nirvana.
Nevermind the goings on, nevermind the things done wrong; Say it with a smile, sing it with a sigh; Nevermind – maipenrai.
Nevermind, not Nirvana toking on more marijuana; Swing it up in style and never question why; Nevermind – maipenrai.
Nevermind the right or wrong, the contrarian does not belong; Sit down for a while, let the anger pass on by; Nevermind – maipenrai.
Nevermind the destination, nevermind your frustration; Sing your acceptance so everyone may comply; Nevermind – maipenrai.
23 thoughts on “Maipenrai (ไม่เป็นรัย) – 15th May 2025”
Enjoyed this so much, Shaun. I get the Nirvana vibe, in both “nevermind” senses, the shrug-of-the-shoulders that you express so brilliantly in tone and use of meter and rhyme. That final stanza is a killer, an Orwellian falling into line. Your use of rhyme to make the Thai word “maipenrai” sit more easily on our tongue and memorable is well done indeed.
Thanks Dora 🙏 I’m glad that the last stanza worked as there is definitely a darker side to the use of this word. It covers a wide range of situations, from serene meditation to submissive compliance.
I really love it and how much the whole poem may explain the may pen ray… and how you can really translate it… it is kind of a good thing and maybe it compares a bit to the Swedish word lagom which has it own vibe that puts yourself in a very Swede mode.
It reminds me of times I’ve told myself to just move on, to not let something eat away at me, even when it did. There’s peace in that phrase ” Nevermind” but also a kind of surrender. I can’t tell if it’s wise or weary.Nicely written!
1994ever 
Enjoyed this so much, Shaun. I get the Nirvana vibe, in both “nevermind” senses, the shrug-of-the-shoulders that you express so brilliantly in tone and use of meter and rhyme. That final stanza is a killer, an Orwellian falling into line. Your use of rhyme to make the Thai word “maipenrai” sit more easily on our tongue and memorable is well done indeed.
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Thanks Dora 🙏 I’m glad that the last stanza worked as there is definitely a darker side to the use of this word. It covers a wide range of situations, from serene meditation to submissive compliance.
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I really love it and how much the whole poem may explain the may pen ray… and how you can really translate it… it is kind of a good thing and maybe it compares a bit to the Swedish word lagom which has it own vibe that puts yourself in a very Swede mode.
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Language is a key to culture, but it’s so damn hard to learn!
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Good advice I’ve had to follow but since Trump took the reins, I hope too many people don’t. Fear the reverse, however.
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At least you still have the illusion of choice. That barely exists in Thailand but……nevermind!
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Happening all over the world. We are all scared. Well, anyone with half a mind is or should be.
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Haha! To be honest, I’m not scared. I’m going to choose to laugh. I may have less than half a mind!
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Well done. This reminds me of the song from a few years ago, “Don’t Worry… Be Happy!”
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Indeed. Though this word can run much deeper. Imagine:
My dog just died,
and I’m going broke
The rent is due
and I’ve got no rope….
Don’t worry – be happy!
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I am sure that is the case. Much more intense!
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I like it! Good job
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Thank you 🙏
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It reminds me of times I’ve told myself to just move on, to not let something eat away at me, even when it did. There’s peace in that phrase ” Nevermind” but also a kind of surrender. I can’t tell if it’s wise or weary.Nicely written!
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Thank you 🙏
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Great poem, Shaun! I loved the repetition.
Yvette M Calleiro :-)http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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Thanks Yvette. After swear words, it is probably the most repeated word in Thailand!
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So an ear worm as well as a poem. Don’t worry – she’ll be right mate 🙂
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Haha! She’ll be right mate has a more positive vibe. Onya Paul.
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🙂
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Love the flow, Shaun, as well as the darker undertones.
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Thanks Punam 🙏
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You are welcome.
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