there were dead fish
that crunched
under our feet
and a smell
that reminded me
of sardines
you were saying something
I couldn’t hear
because you were talking
into the wind
and now
a thousand years later
I think if I heard
what you said
it would have been different
then and now
but there were dead fish
distracting me
and that wind
a thousand years ago
on some coastline
in the fall
other writing
sometimes in the morning
sometimes
in the morning
the islands so clear
on a sea so calm
one can almost forget
the horns
the explosions
the chanting
from the night
before
and this world
in transition
turning
rapidly turning
once again
how many
how many hours
must I spend
to write a letter
to the one
I love
how many days
must I endure
to hear the voice
of the one
I love
how many seas
must I cross
to see the eyes
of the one
I love
how many how many
how many
under this full thunder moon
the land
lives up to
its name
under this
full thunder moon
that which draws us near
we can’t always
escape
that which draws us
near
the woods are burning
the woods are burning
but instead of water
all that is offered
are more matches
and gasoline
mind on leave
mind on leave
out looking
for my heart
breaking news
helicopters jets
overhead
bridges closed
confused faces
walking by
long lines
at ATMs
horns blaring
cars racing
who knows where
crowds rallying
chanting
in the streets
flags
lots of flags
distant explosions
and the longest walk
home
I’ve ever had
but now
peace restored
over 60 killed
754 detained
and life
here in Turkey
never ceases
to be filled
with drama
amid the beauty
once again
nothing left to say
know where I come from
know where I am going
close the door
nothing left to say
sleep comes
sleep comes
in fits
between hours
of memory
Leonard Durso 