Merkez Park

On the banks
Of the Seyhan River
In South Central Turkey,
The City of Adana
Shakes off its humid lethargy
And comes to life.
It’s a hot, sunny, summer
Saturday morning,
And those families
Who couldn’t escape
To the seaside
Emerge from the shadows
Of the concrete towers
In which they live
And flock to Merkez Park.
There they claim
A spot in the grass,
Spread their blankets
And prepare their tea.
Each family cluster
Includes 10 to 20 people,
Maybe more.
There are aunts and uncles,
Nieces and nephews,
Sons and daughter,
As well as parents,
Grand parents
And great grand parents too.
The adults lazily
Pass the time
Gossiping about life
While the youngsters
Engage in games of football
Or dodge ball.
The park is a respite
From the hustle-bustle
Of normal city life,
And a time for
For the customary
Family get together.
During the week,
The park is a magnet
For young couples
Courting each other
And wanting to get away
From parental oversight.
For someone like me,
Coming from
The barren deserts of Iraq,
The park is a pageant
Of color, sights and sounds
Welcoming me to Turkey.