five-story house in laleli

one lies in rags on the street

and his stomach is empty

and he wishes for death

one sits with friends at tea and backgammon

and his mind is empty

and he wishes for death

one sits in a straight-backed chair at a desk

and his bank account is empty

and he wishes for death

one lies in bed staring out to sea

and the place next to him in bed is empty

and he wishes for death

one flies back with food in its beak

and its nest is empty

and only this one says

we should give it another try