waltz autumn falls golden
in our courtyard
you play your stringed waltz

for the old algerian,
he with the permanent grin
and the secret poems

that emerge each step.
his vivid memories
of dancing hair,

of leaves to classic color
fall timbre perfect,
till quivering strings settle.

4:19 a.m.
chicago
oct. 13, 2004  ¶ 10/13/2004 03:50:00 AM