children laughing below
out back
on the lawns
the sprinklers working
overtime
in the front
and the wine
in my glass
in hand
warms what’s left
of my heart
there is peace
here
my neighbor’s acts
of kindness
the plate of dolma
the fruit
from the bazaar
and the cover
on my scooter
the driver’s grin
when I say
iyi akşamlar
the invitation
to go fishing
on weekends
in such a short time
to be at home
I lean back
in the chair
on my balcony
my feet up
a breeze caresses
my face
and I doze off
letting memories
of the past
drift away