How long has it been?

David Nemat-Nasser

photo credit: David Nemat-Nasser

Minute 1

mid-afternoon with sun coming in
the windows birds and laughter
from neighborhood kids and up
a siren
crash a garbage can lid
a motorcycle zooms
the street a childish scream
the siren
the siren
all the birds are gone
the siren

in my window in my room
then gone with the birds too

Minute 2

I’d love a bowl of Grandma’s chicken paprikash
a plate of saffron rice
with perfect golden tahdig from Grandpa’s pan
saw them on screen today
just briefly

Minute 3

the wall
the wall
if I could be a bird
I’d stay from windows
land only on trees
there goes the sun behind thick clouds
and I wonder what time it is

Minute 4

how far can you travel
in a dream I’ve been to other cities
other states
my sister’s living room at Christmas
and days by a creek with friends
maybe even another life once

And 33

I’m just glad the birds are back
if even just for a minute

David Nemat-Nasser is a writer and musician living in New York City. His work often centers on nature, generational memory, and LGBTQ experiences.