By Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes

Coming Back to Germany

I come back to Germany
because of flower boxes on balconies
bread baked fresh mornings
dogs traveling on trains

I come back to Germany
because she still reads newspapers
awakens with church bells
closes up shop on Sundays
Scent of kaffekuchen words spiraling out of windows
“Sehr Süss.”

I come back to Germany
because buses are on time
stores small
trees more important than streets
because graffiti is art
children learn three languages
walk to school alone

I come back back to Germany
because she tells you what she thinks
not what she believes you want to hear
hangs her laundry outside
strolls solemnly upon the mosaic of stones pieced together by war’s widows

I come back to Germany
because she’s slow to wave flags
quick to confess
doesn’t pave over scars
can’t walk through her own neighborhoods without stumbling
upon concrete acts of contrition

I come back back to Germany
because she is filled with cities without between:

Self and metropolis

And I can rest
in peace

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Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes

Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes was born and raised in San Diego, California. He attended Herbert Hoover High School and went on to study Religion and Theology at the University of San Diego. His book Intimate Geography, published by Ragged Sky Press, won the 2012 San Diego Book Award for Poetry. Ish, as he is known, has also written lyrics for German musicians Andrea Hörkens and Thomas Roderburg (Tender Art).

Latest posts by Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes (see all)

• Word’s Out | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 14, 2018
• Political Love Affair | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 7, 2018
• Deer Tracks | Geo-Poetic Spaces - November 30, 2018