BUT WHY do you go to the wall?
WHY does he go to the wall?

You go to the
wall because
that’s where the door is

maybe.

The world and ourselves pass away
We go on
. . . . .and enter the dance

What other chances are there
we could think of as
. . . . .already prepared?

“. . . .You
put that much life in it, baby,
you know you can’t win.”

You’re my bondage and my freedom
my flesh burning like a naked summer night,
you’re my country.

Hazel eyes marbled green,
you’re awesome, beautiful, and brave,
you’re my desire always just out of reach.

translated by Randy Blasing & Mutlu Konuk

The trees are still standing, the old benches dead and gone.
“Boris Park” is now “Freedom Park.”
Under the chestnut I just thought of you
and you alone–I mean Memet,
just you and Memet, I mean my country.

translated by Randy Blasing & Mutlu Konuk

My heart is 3 .7 . 9

3 orifices
7 mountains
9 seas

You
build these 3. 7. 9. down into me

into I

and dance and swell in my mind
and dance and swell. . . .

“Something
by which
all else
can be measured.”

Something
by which
to measure
all else.

the rivers of afternoon
flowing about you as you
move . stop, standing
afterward in my bathroom
naked among the young plants
in the green light singing
softly to yourself