Istanbul

The heavy breadth of history
weighs down the paving stones
of civilisations’ former glories
and the crunch of fallen soldiers’ bones

This is the shadow in this city
behind the mosque and marble bath
standing tall, proud and mighty
right off consumerism’s path

But five days and I’ve grown to love
this city with its great mishmash
of the tulip and palm tree grove
to variform crowds’ pressing crush

Packed with people poor and rich, t-shirted or covered,
sprawling around the hills like its many cats
through winding jarring hilly streets nearby abducted
by skyscrapers crawling upwards like rats

I will be back, in awe, I tell myself
knowing I will need to get my fix
to add more to experiences’ bookshelf
next time, stay longer: a week, maybe six

What a city, what a grand place
Istanbul, you’ve blown me away
farewell till again I see your face
I’m sure you’ll have much to say.