A Quiet Life

 
The young man from Gaza
trained as a librarian
He put his name
on the housing list
then disappeared
for three months
to tend a sick father in Egypt

He wears thick glasses
drives a small sensible car
and works for a charity
raising awareness
It makes him frown
because his boss is always
away


He observes Ramadan
although I have never
heard him pray
Once a girl wearing black niqab
stayed overnight
and once he might have
come home drunk
There was a commotion
on the stairs after midnight
his door slammed loudly
and the building shook

I do not think
he will stay long
but for the moment
he seems to enjoy
the quiet life