Arthur Koestler (author) in London--By Isha Wagner--New Zealand

Arthur Koestler (author) in London

His bright gaze leers into my young face

curiosity crinkling his wrinkly eyes

I was beautiful but unaware of it

I thought he was handsome but old

You're shy, he says directly with a smile.

Earls Court, magical in a dreary way

To a colonial seeking something else

Never much to eat, my student friends hungry

But Arthur had food to share around

Vodka, bread, salami, oh how delicious

Do you know my definition of shyness?

I shook my head not knowing what to say

It's the inability to think of anything but yourself

Shock treatment for this innocent abroad

Remembrance of Koestler, long deceased.

Isha Wagner is a New Zealand poet. She has resided in many countries including Iceland, Libya, India, and Australia.  She read some of her work at the VIII International Poetry Festival held in Granada, Nicaragua, in February 2012. She has had three collections of poetry published.