Winter in Genoa

a poem by Jan Oskar Hansen

In a street with few lamplights
she was standing outside a bar
waiting for a costumer.

The night was intensely cold
and in her eyes, I could read
the true innocence of the victimised.

The hotel room was freezing
we snuggled up to find warmth
and when we did fell asleep.

In the morning a pasty sun lit up the room
’You fuck me now?’ she said.
No dear, let’s have coffee.

She looked relieved,
smiled and
kissed me tenderly.

Outside, I saw
that she wore summer shoes
so I bought her a pair of fur lined boots.

She was young and very happy
felt she had to offer me her body;
no dear let’s drink that coffee.

She looked relieved,
smiled and
kissed me tenderly.