When I listen to Russian Music
When I listen to Russian music
snow begins to fall.
I pull on overcoats
that come with the records,
coat over coat over coat,
and leave my home forever.
When I listen to Russian music
I search for children in the drifts.
I have only the coats on my back.
My pockets are empty.
When I listen to Russian music
poverty is no disgrace.
I cover cold children
coat by coat
and stay until they wake.
Alone on the road,
I listen to Russian music
wrapped in wool
from throat to soul
against the bitter summer.
Osiris Poetry 