To Leave This City

by ludoglobi

This is the city to walk around in the rain

Staring at the barges in the harbor

And to hum songs through the night.

The city has countless streets

Bustling with people running around…

The waitress who brings me my tea every evening

And whom I like a lot although she’s a White Russian

Is in this city.

 

The old pianist who turns around

To look at me

When he sneaks in pieces by Schumann and Brahms

While playing waltzes and foxtrot

Is also in this city.

 

The ferry boats that carry passengers

To the village where I was born are in this city.

So are my memories,

All those I love,

And the graves of my loved ones.

 

This is the city where I have a job,

Where I earn my bread money.

And yet, in spite of all this,

This is the same city I’m leaving

Because of a woman

In another city.

Orhan Kanik