Graffiti Kolkata Broadside # Issue 09 # July'10

Now retained by the US customs since 18 June '10, the 10 printed copies which I sent to her......

before light enters upon your solitude

slowly breathe
repeat the words of your prayers in the darkness
before light enters upon your solitude
hold your thoughts close
to your heart

only you understand the trauma
only you understand the terror

the hours belonging to the night belong to you
you are lost in the daylight
fear has blue eyes the same shade as the sky
& you are tired of running, tired of running
tired
of
running

slowly breathe
repeat the words of your prayers in the darkness
before light enters upon your solitude

kiss sleep fully on the lips
and welcome her into your deathbed
growing old is the most satisfying of your dreams
where will you be
when you next awaken?

By Jim Wittenberg
5/26/2010

Yet there's no pain

Federica Nightingale



Yet there’s no pain in your eyes,
dim is the strange breath I breathe,
coaching tears to fall,
tantalizing crooks of bread
instead of sharing.
Go ahead,
far away from my brow,
keep me safe from your narrow lips
The cherry-tree becomes so tender
beneath that low sky
Give me back my hopes
Give me back my proposals
I’m red and mature to be haunted,
you’re my tragedy and my forgiveness
to be accepted instead of mercy.
Yet there’s no pain in your eyes



Federica Nightingale was born in Turin (Italy).She is a poet and translator.