there they are
those faces
from the past
filtering through
my dreams
causing confusion
asking questions
that can no longer
be answered
about their take
on events
long gone
and I break
an oath
pour whiskey
down my throat
in the vain attempt
to find sleep
bereft of dreams
other writing
the call of the wild
he sits
intently listening
the call of the wild
feral cats
crying for food
attention
envying him
his comfort
from the storms
the cold
the night
and he
wondering
what he’s lost
of his nature
to live
beholding
to no man
just his own wits
himself
and I
understanding
both
fullmoonsocial2014: eyes on the moon
I stand
on my balcony
gazing up
at the full moon
3 am
Izmir time
thousands of miles
from your eyes
gazing up
at the same moon
there
our faces reflected
on its surface
eyes meet
one time
more
before clouds
drift across
our gaze
what a life
peanut butter
from the jar
crunchy of course
for dinner
plus bits and pieces
of steak
graciously given to me
by a neighbor
for Bayramı
and a glass
of ice cold water
man
what a life
I lead
then back to Katzenzakis
bound and determined
to finish this
by dawn’s light
on expiration dates
no matter
how healthy
it is for you
if it has expired
the opposite
is most likely
true
lazy day
pasta and broccoli
the last of the figs
a nice cabernet
gifts to my housekeeper
neighbor kids
on this holiday
a breeze cooling
the back balcony
Diana Krall singing
in my living room
later a movie
something French
and read a bit more
of Kazantzakis
and Hemingway’s Boat
this could be
paradise
or close enough
at this stage
in finally
a quiet life
trouble
I never look
for it
it just always
seems to find
me
like you
tossing back
that long hair
standing on
one foot
and eating
that peach
it’s trouble
once more
at my door
afternoon ceremony
music plays
a Turkish ballad
on this not quite
spring day
they test the microphone
set up tables
for food
and drink
a podium for speeches
awards to be given
employees recognized
banners flap
in the breeze
a festive mood
prevails
a joyous way
to end the day
as we approach
one more holiday
my only regret
I forgot to wear
a tie
might have been: for Maureen
you & I
will always be
in our early 30s
in LA
you up the road
from me
on Coast Highway
coming to work
at I&L
on Tuesdays & Thursdays
and me
spending too many evenings
drinking bourbon
in the Airlane Bar
across the street
and how life
might have been different
as you once mentioned
in Venice
if we had made
other choices
back then
all the men
at I&L
were a little bit
in love with you
but certainly no more
than me
I often wonder
if I had been sober
more often
had acted sooner
what might have
could have
happened
but we did
what we did
chose
what we chose
lived
as best we could
under the circumstances
but always
always in my mind
you are up the road
from me
overlooking the ocean
and I just never seem
to arrive
on the right day
listening to Ella & Louis
it’s Gershwin’s birthday
Chuck tells me
so I listen to
Ella & Louis
singing They All Laughed
a decent red blend
from a Turkish winery
my feet up
those Polk speakers
doing their duty
in my living room
and no movies
this Saturday night
in Izmir
stuffed eggplant
Turkish style
sent over by Seçil
and I’m pleasantly full
getting numb
in the cheeks
and letting my mind
go
for you see
you can pronounce either
any way you want to
but kiddo
there are memories
worth preserving
and music
takes one there
Ella’s voice
Louis’ trumpet
to whomever’s listening
They Can’t Take That
Away From Me
Leonard Durso 