April Poetry: Monica Kezar

In recognition of Poetry Month, and to celebrate and highlight our treasure trove of Orcas Island poets, Orcas Issues is pleased and honored to again offer daily poetry during April.

Once, in Leningrad

— by Monica Kezar —

…Once, in Leningrad,
I strolled along the Neva river
…In the darkening night.

…It was a misty eve,
A brooding troubadour
…Without a song,

…with everything to question
about the coming dusk
…and the numbing cold.

…In a fugue-like state
I think about home,
…not my lonely room

…in the faceless hotel.
I stood there fixated
…by the frozen river.

…Reality was sinking in,
I was alone in a city
…Without a future.

The Square

— by Monica Kezar —

My breakfast of fried ham and bread
Is good. Here at the Grand
Hotel, just off the square.
It’s faded glory somehow comforting.
I picked a table near the window
Which proved a drafty choice.
Tangled memories accompany
The strong dark coffee.
With old jaded eyes
I stare down into the square.
Strangers moving in slow motion.
Like my memories, I recognize them.

They surface at odd angles.
Converging, colliding, casualties.
Another country. Another hotel.
Another breakfast. Another square.

Stop. Rewind. Play.
I grab my heavy winter coat
And dash to the square.
The day’s first hours cannot be wasted.