once
in my bookstore
a woman approached books
as if they were holy scripture
tenderly turning pages
letting the poetry
wash over her
I could love
a woman like that
in whose hands
a heart
would be cherished
and safe
other writing
a simple act: for Rukiye Uçar & all others like her & for all displaced children in this war-weary world
a simple act
of kindness compassion
braiding hair
brushing clothes
putting food in a bowl
refilling a cup
bind us together
to those in need
of our love
refer to the post on FORGOTTEN HOPES
rukiaucar.wordpress.com
the ways to measure
the depth of the heart
the breadth of the mind
these are the ways
to measure
the capacity for life
for love
a picture of you
a picture of you
one thousand words
all of them
lost
through the crack
in my heart
my wish
close eyes
wish
open eyes
there you are
again
all night
saddle up
ride drive walk
through rain through snow
highways back roads
city streets
all night
for your smile
from a line by Su T’ung-p’o
in a life
full of partings
watch
me go
not to dream
to sleep
not to dream
to chase you
from my mind
perhaps both
dogs howling
during morning prayer
seeking rescue
from the streets
or offering praise
to their divinity
or perhaps
both
there was a time
there was a time
what you thought
mattered to me
now
I can’t even remember
why
Leonard Durso 