you sit opposite
a cup of tea
cradled in your hands
and listen
as I tell you
this story
for the first time
yet again
afterwards your voice
like falling rain
in the night
other writing
life lessons
if you haven’t learned
what or who
is valuable
in your life
no one
can tell you
a silent prayer
the rhythm
of breath
in out in out
a silent prayer
here I am
oh God
here I am
peace
fills the air
outside inside
you
the state of things
kids
without a childhood
families
without a home
war
without any mercy
politicians
without a soul
on looking at pictures of Syrian kids: for RU and those like her
too many hearts
are hardened, are closed
to the suffering
the poor, the misplaced
in this troubled world
when they should be open
regardless of emotional cost
for hearts are gateways
to our humanity
it is hearts of compassion
through which
God speaks
in reference to pictures on FORGOTTEN HOPES
https://rukiaucar.wordpress.com/2016/08/10/metrobuschildren-syrianbeauties/
at four in the morning
fresh figs
ice cold water
with lemon
waiting for the sun
to rise
at four
in the morning
this is what passes
for hope
in the dark
on watching Man of La Mancha
still know
the lyrics
to Impossible Dream
just sing it now
in a different key
forever
forever
as a pledge
the true
impossible dream
what my father would say to those with opinions contrary to the evidence
not smart enough
to know
you are dumb
useless wishes
sometimes
on mornings
a whisper
of useless wishes
a drink
of bitter tea
the morning grey
an echo
in empty rooms
the weight
of years gone by
Leonard Durso 