i sat/a small dot
dignified woman
in a crowded East Dulwich coffee shop
open books/empty cups/laptops on the
wooden tables
an hour or less
i street gazed
my darling’s image hangs
inside the passing crowd
my happiness was so untouchable
staring at the fallen
Sycamore lush leaf
all the children here
live in posh houses
making love from his arms/
i gave my soul
when skin touched skin
oh bitter sweetness
how can cities be content?
i should pray, sing, dance
and i am weeping
one baby in his buggy cries/
and destroys my thoughts!

Günsel Djemal 7/3/2009 Dulwich-London