outside my window
the sun rises
over the hills
the metro comes goes
carrying those inside
to and fro
while I wait
here inside
for the one
who will lay
reasonable claims
on my heart
waiting
still an hour away
water drips
through a filter
the aroma
of freshly brewed coffee
in the air
while I wait
for the sun
still an hour away
waiting still
let the sun rise
let it set
let the winds blow
the house quake
I am here
waiting
still
the duration of the light 1: for Maureen
standing still
throughout
the duration
of the light
into the long
darkness
3:30am in Maltepe, Istanbul
the tea
grows cold
as the night
wears on
waiting
for morning
one night
at a time
in my mind, where I am
sitting
at a table
overlooking
the water
waiting
always waiting
for you
to appear
waiting
let the sun rise
let it set
let the winds blow
the house quake
I am here
waiting
still
waiting for the sun
5am
candle melted down
wine glass empty
the cat curled up
on the back
of the chair
the ceiling fan turns
disturbing air
but not the silence
that hangs there
waiting for the sun
to show its face
so the day can begin
once again
In The Autumn Night by Tu Mu
Her candle-light is silvery on her chill bright screen.
Her little silk fan is for fireflies. . .
She lies watching her staircase cold in the moon,
And two stars parted by the River of Heaven.
translated by Witter Bynner & Kiang Kang-hu
A Sigh From A Staircase Of Jade by Li Po (Li Bai)
Her jade-white staircase is cold with dew;
Her silk soles are wet, she lingered there so long. . .
Behind her closed casement, why is she still waiting,
Watching through its crystal pane the glow of the autumn moon?
translated by Witter Bynner & Kiang Kang-hu
Leonard Durso 