caught the Istanbul Haiku

THE TRASH WOMEN OF ISTANBUL

Your big laugh echoes

down the street, convincing me

that life’s not so bad.




THE TRASH MEN OF ISTANBUL

These streets were not made

with you in mind, up-down-up

hope lost and hope gained.




SYRIANS, EVERYWHERE

Walking Istiklal

pushes my insides high up

to my throat with guilt.




THE OLD MEN WHO SMOKE

Retirement masters

outside on their swivel chairs

think and stare and smoke.




ALL I CAN SEE ARE YOUR EYES

I don’t mind your scarf

all I can see are your eyes

as they window shop.




FOR BECCA

Girls here link their arms

like we used to, like it would

save us or something.