Istanbul, You Were Once Constantinople

Photograph by Paul Hsu

In the basilica

of Hagia Sophia

I remain silent like Paul

as I round tall chambers and halls.

Footfalls profound on holy ground.

I sail to Byzantium

a country before amen.

Byzantium ancient beauty

classical city by the sea

backstreets crossroads of poetry

encounters art faith mystery.

On the seashore of the Marmara Sea

I walk on marble waves pray on my knees.

When I turn toward Turkey

I speak of great beauty

of the gray-eyed lady

at the pharmacy

You touch me heal me.

by Paul Hsu 6/10-11/15

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