LatinosUSA

Sometimes

Sometimes,
I miss you.
I can’t forget you.
You’re not far away
because I can never forget Indonesia.
I remember one day
we went to a mountain.
This mountain is too high,
you said to me.
You can’t climb;
foreigners can’t do it,
turn around, go back!
But we walked there,
to the top of the mountain.
You and me, together.
At the top, you took my hand;
we looked at West Java below us.
Later, I thought about your words:
The mountain that I had to climb that day was you.
But I still miss you…always.

Originally published in “The Galway Review”

~~

Sunday

I miss you every day.
I remember you every day.
I hold my pillow close every night.
In the morning, at night,
from night until morning.
Every day passes; I can wait for you,
but Sunday is the hardest day.
You always live in my heart…
from the past years, so long ago…
Now, right now,
in the future, after dying…
You…
I love you…
I miss you…
Come home…
There is a light by the window.

Originally published in “The Galway Review”

~~

Schadenfreude

Definition: “Finding joy in someone’s misfortune”

This is a German word;
it holds a rhythmic resonance.
It has a pleasing sound,
yet points to a type of penance.

They meant me no lasting harm,
I believe this to be true.
The only damage they did,
it is clear, was to themselves.

There are those who find much joy
in the downfall of others.
Those who smile so knowingly
at someone’s deep misfortune.

Then I saw that red sunset,
burning bright in a photo:
It brought back such memories
of love first found and then lost.

Sonnenuntergang! Sunset!

I love words in German;
they hold such an appeal for me.
A language of such strength:
But like a lock without a key.

Originally published in “Literary Yard”

Photo by author’s god-daughter, Nisa Winter