Homesick for the Stars

All I can do is listen to Fado
ringing, ringing
a bell of longing in my heart.
All I can do is give myself over,
homesick for the stars.

I’m perched in a Lisboa bar
inclining my ear toward Mariza.
In the trance of her saudade,
all my cells pour all their attention.
Now another phrase
sliding up my spine
silky as my vinha verde,
undoes me. Undoes me.

These late years,
deep with grief and delight,
all I can do is listen to Fado,
And let it uncover desires for
what? What?
In my corner of the darkened bar,
Mariza’s hungering voice exposes
what was vaulted in us each.

The music pours
its truth of human yearning.
All I can do is listen to Fado.
Turned inside out,
I sway, and grasp the taberna’s rail,
surrendering to the sounds of Fado
that soothe
and rustle me at once.

All I can do is listen to Fado
ringing, ringing
a bell of longing in my heart.
All I can do is give myself over,
homesick for the stars.

            ©Susa Silvermarie 2025