Bosporus, Duty Strait?　

shadows fall upon Blue Mosque’ minarets

soon the Bosporus ripples whispers

ancient figures kneel in candlelit murmurs

Byzantium, Constantinople departed, Istanbul lingers

basilica cistern remains below listening

footsteps in and out of time are muffled observers

saffron tea taints impressions cloudy with orange

hashish infused lore more than deeds captures reality

history never knew or marked in stained glass windows

nor left artistically rendered on ceilings, walled mosaics

journeys civil, religious, battle scarred mark time here

when today merges into yesteryear tomorrow emerges

tainted red and blue washed ’til faded with destiny’s tears

millenniums dance barefooted in this place, east and west

divide, meld flow and ebb joyfully anticipating only change

expecting nothing new or unique, never astonished

gypsy belly dancers still hold sway over wide eyed men

lore the diary replete has already witnessed all there is to note

certain that the Bosporus will peacefully abut the Black Sea

the Sea of Marmara as baharat and balik bazaar sunuculan

call an order to morning’s proceedings initiating day’s duties

faces come and go old to new the tales they repeat remain

let them feast on menus of strong tea and breakfast cheese

beg only they leave the Bosporus duty bound to east and west