listening to
Southside Johnny
this morning
and remembering nights
of whiskey
and albums like this
long ago
these songs
can’t revive
those feelings
memories
lie dormant
a lifetime ago
and here
on my balcony
the sun brilliant
in the sky
Tahin will soon
drive to the bazaar
with me along
for the ride
and later
I will listen
to Joshua Bell
Sarah Chang
fresh figs
pears peaches
on the table
peanuts too
another world
I live in
far from whiskey
and the need
to dull
or heighten
the pain
peace of mind
Robinson Crusoe by Cahit Sitki Taranci
Robinson, my clever Robinson
you don’t know how I envy you.
If you could only show me your island,
there I would find peace of mind.
I’ll be the ship, you be the captain.
We can unfurl the sail one morning.
The sea becomes our shadow in the sun.
The journey. And suddenly we’re at our island.
I wish you could be my interpreter,
introduce me to the fish,
to wild birds and flowers,
say to them about me: “He’s one of us.”
I know how to climb trees.
I can tell a fruit that’s ripe.
I can also manage breaking stones,
making fires, cooking food.
Robinson, understanding Robinson,
if your island hasn’t sunk yet
take me there
before the seaways close.
Leonard Durso 