Work

It is not the work I mind so much. Taking my mind off things, focusing. It is the dreaded walk home, to an empty bed, and no May by my side. With food and clothing we should be content, so said Paul. Such a lesson is hard to learn. Another apartment rejected me because I have children. I am still looking every day.

Love,
Arley

Now and Later

I'm not sure what will happen in the next few months. I did some research and found that Germany denies over half their work visas, especially those for citizens of non-EU countries. But I'm okay with either outcome. Whether in a place here or at home with no job, what is important is that I am with you. I would rather us be together in a little house with simple food than be apart from you and gave all the wealth of this world. Apart from my May I have nothing.

Love,
Arley

Not Much Longer

Not much longer
Soon you´ll see
A few days more
Then we´ll be
One not two
My luvus bee

Buried in work
Nights I fear
Gloomy halls
Coal skies near
Not much longer
Left my dear

Not much more
Count the hours
Sweep the floor
Cut the flowers
Buy some juice
Take a shower

Moments pass
Each one closer
Than the last
Pull me closer
Let´s be rash
Closer, closer

Not much longer

37th Street

37th Street

The sound of boots upon half-frozen grass
Enticed our wayward conversationings,

Reminding us two of the bitter cold.
I don't remember what you said back then:

Your jacket was at home; you didn't say why.
I leant you mine instead; my T-shirt clung

To bare arms. Trying to be tough, the truth
Is I was shivering; I hid it well.

Were you so absentminded then as now?
Or was it all a test? I still don't know.

It wasn't quite as cold as when you threw
That water glass against my chest; I walked

An hour back, no jacket then: I think
My nose was running for a week at least.

No, this time, second-first of wan wan tien,
You warmed me with your gentlest embrace

By multicolored Christmas lights and that
Blue dradel hanging six feet wide and tall.

On thirty-seventh street you never know
If you're awake or sleepwalking through Oz.

When we got back at midnight on the steps
I didn't go inside, but on the spur

While tugging at your sleeve I drew you close:
A kiss, then two, then three; you left me there.

We've always been afire since then although
We often tried and failed to be apart.

Back then were you expecting gathering
About our kitchen, filled with streaming rice,

The pleasing smoke of grilling bulgobi
Aside the sweetness of the honeydew?

Parting

Parting

Chlorine-fresh imbibed
Drink reflecting waves five feet
Waxen leaves red brick
Night green tropicals side street
Burboun courtyard evening heat

Muffled base drums stone
Pavement bench-height seating white
Painted border grey
Statue naked robe pool light
Iron deckchairs torn invite

Seven palms white-pink
Petals thirty feet tall shade
Trees flat beige french doors
Balconies black iron made
Centuries ago slave trade

Hidden archways cool
Day heat broken breeze defined
Lit reflecting pool
Old New Orleans left behind
Yet you've never left my mind

Night

Night

He calls her name in whispers:
No hearing, no holding, imploding;
Night unfurls its cloak.
She is still sleeping,
They are both sleeping:
He lies awake, alone.

He streaches to see her sounds:
Touch her, taste her, embrace her;
Lampposts drip with yellow.
She is still asleep,
They are both asleep:
He lies awake, alone.

He anguishes for her attention:
Her smile, her slenderness, her kiss;
Red-eye flights rumble.
She is still silent,
They are both silent:
He lies awake, alone.

How Long

How long will you stay away? I hope you will come soon. The milk here tastes very good, I think the cows eat green grass without any hormones. It is quite rare to see an obese person, there must be less estrogenic chemicals in the food and packaging. The people are normally not taller but there are more super-tall people. I think Rachel and Isaac would fit in.

Today I´m on a walk alone and thinking about you and how much I miss you. It is not the same without having you here next to me, hugging and kissing you. I want you to come here so we can go on walks together, and go on a train to the mountains, and have a picnic with all our kids and take them to the playground.

Please come soon, because I miss you.

Love,
Arley

Working Place

Here's where I work, in a building by the Rhine, on the 4th floor:



Across from it is a walking path and a park with lots of ducks:



You may not be able to see it, but off in the distance is a park with a playground and swings:



There's also a lake and a path to walk around it:



It will be fun to go there with you and our kids to walk and play.

Love,
Arley

Anguish

My heart cries with longing, and you are not there, my beloved. Empty space lies cold on my bed, unwelcoming, still. There is no day better than one spent with you, and none worse than when we are apart. Even now, my eyes are streaked with tears, for you, my beloved.

My life was barren, till you filled it. My days were colorless, till you burst on me with your smile and kisses. Moments go by, and not one second can I rest, until I rest in your arms again, my beloved, my friend, my May.

For May

It befuddles my mind, words stop, feelings poured forth in torrents. How much I love you May, how I miss you now. How I feel I have been such an unworth husband, a poor father, never giving my full attention. I am sorry. I need to be a new man, like Jesus from the tomb. Maybe, from this time of sorrows, I can see you again with fresh love and a new beginning. You tug at my heart like no one or nothing else, and I search in vain at night for your unequalled gaze of beauty.

This is the first of my daily postings, for the next six months, for however long it may take for you to grasp my inestimable love for you.