Ulker Makbule Sowle

In fond memory of Ülker Sowle, loving mother, grandmother, and wife.

—

If ever she seems lost, you can find her.

If ever the world is quiet,

You can hear her in the hurried whisper of the hummingbird's wings,

the subtle snapping of twigs in a peaceful forest,

and the booming bark of a happy dog greeting a friend.

If ever the world is dim,

You can see her in the watercolor sky of the setting sun,

the bright red rims on a pair of oversized eyeglasses,

and blooms of blue in a vibrant garden.

If ever the world is foul,

You can smell her in the ancient salt of the rolling sea,

the breezy scent of fresh flowers from a nearby market,

and the unmistakable mixture of perfume and tobacco.

If ever the world is callous,

You can feel her in the soft stitches of a crochet blanket,

the smooth surface of a clean marble countertop,

and the risen texture of an oil-painted landscape.

If ever the world is bland,

You can taste her in the spongy bite of a freshly foraged morel mushroom,

the savory beef of stuffed bell peppers,

and the sweet syrup of flaky baklava, rolled by hand.

If ever she seems lost, you can find her.