I go out walking 

When I can’t sleep

At three, perhaps four,

Down from my room

On the hill, past the bars

Bistros, the Turkish barber

There’s more light in the world

Than expected, seagulls 

Wild in the air

And though I am quiet

I do not feel alone, 

Down the slope 

Towards the ocean

I close my eyes

To find you there 

James Kramer is a writer who has lived adjacent to many sluice canals across China and England. He’s appeared in Your Impossible Voice, Converge, Spittoon and elsewhere. He also wrote a regular-ish column for Left Lion magazine. You can find him at @JamesAKramer1.