jumpstart
my day
enrich
a conversation
stimulate
the night
anytime
all the time
my version
of Turkish Delight
other writing
on marking territory: for E
there they are
the marks
that lay claim
to what is yours
without reservation
no need
for concern
heart mind
body
yours
for the taking
whenever
wherever
your prey
as they say
acquiesces
willingly
possessed
morning coffee
to make me
alert
to possibilities
that await
on this
new morning
new year
old life
a strong weakness: for E
or perhaps
a weak strength
whatever
the knees
though
do not lie
they knock
knock knock
whether sitting
or standing
or prone
deep breathing
required
whenever
your name
comes
into view
on calendars & time
the cleaning people
keep changing
the date
on my wall
calendar
before
I can do it
myself
not a race
or a reminder
just courtesy
and I
too grateful
for their
always cheerful
service
cannot say
don’t rush
the passage
of time
for I
am not
anxious
to see it
slip away
quite so quickly
one day
at a time
on the cusp of January: approaching the new year in Izmir 2015
with trepidation
remembering
my mother
whose taste
for January
was less
than palatable
sour
in one’s mouth
fear
mixed with
anxiety
too many
deaths
in this month
a realization
later come by
and as I stand
facing the end
of one year
the beginning
of another
honor those ghosts
who stand
with me
this night
and drink
enough whiskey
to forget
my name
so as to
sally forth
blameless
from darkness
into the light
where I come from
is not
where
I’m going
a place
of departure
like a train
station
track 2
all aboard
for points
west
east
north south
no matter
footsteps
in the hall
doors
open close
another day
here
in the city
where I live
but not
where I’m from
biding time
till the whıstle
blows
my heart
there
it goes
once again
into uncharted
waters
adrift
in a boat
without
sail rudder
or oars
following
the current
wherever
it takes
me
repeat mode: the holiday season
two out of
three nights
you’ve entered
my dreams
how far
you’ve traveled
through time
and space
and yet
look no older
than the day
I saw you
first
no wonder
there is
that pain
in my chest
once
again
Christmas in Izmir
I passed
on going to
a movie
in 3D
with strangers
instead
set the table
linguine
with cauliflower
white wine
extra treats
for the cat
loaded music
on the DVD player
Sibelius Aaron Copland
Joshua Bell Sarah Chang
and Miles
Sketches of Spain
greeted
the ghosts
of Christmases
past
who joined me
and peace
reigned
in my heart
here
in Izmir
this Christmas
Leonard Durso 