That stiff lip, maybe – that made it
almost impossible to read
eye lids flickered;
then turned blank
there is a worried furrow between his eyebrows
unblinking;
I gazed calmly back
in that split second
I lived all my million lives
my shoulder blades are like tiny little wings in London, Istanbul and Cyprus
that lavender smell dizzying thoroughly summer air/
your hair turning grey under Istanbul’s bright lights
and cigarette smoke
while the sweet love songs of gypsies singing...
your head turned/profile against the window
that winged nose
it takes as much guts and as much hard work
to love
I know;
for whatever reason
some people never learn the knack
believe you me
they’ll be out soon I never thought about hurting anyone of them
when they pack up their things and go
I want to be there to hug and wave them goodbye!

Gunsel Djemal 29/07/2010