The Turkish Receptionist

He had me at “Merhaba”

I would tiptoe out of my hostel bunk,

trying not to wake up my roommate.

Gahh, she was annoying.

She asked for ham every morning.

Why would you say that in an Islamic country?

She was so rude. Pathetic. Disrespectful.

I would sneak down the stairs,

and there he was with a big smile,

waiting for me.

The Turkish Receptionist of the hostel.

We were right across the street from the Blue Mosque.

The view was gorgeous. The view was magnificent.

He would hold my hands

and gaze into my eyes

and say “Çok güzel.”