TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 1
AnAnthologyof
TurkishPoetry
by
A.GalipUlsoy(translator)
SusanK.Glowski(editor)
Copyright©2019byA.GalipUlsoy
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 2
Preface
Turkishliteratureisveryrich,butnotverywidelyavailableinEnglishlanguagetranslation.SomeEnglishlanguagesourcesonthewebforTurkishPoetryinclude:
http://www.cs.rpi.edu/~sibel/poetry/
http://www.poetrytranslation.org/poems/from/turkey
http://www.poemhunter.com/nazim-hikmet/poems/
http://www.ottomansouvenir.com/General/Turkish_Poetry.htm
http://jacketmagazine.com/34/eda-poems.shtml
http://www.turkishclass.com/turkish/poetry/poems.php
http://www.transcript-review.org/en/issue/transcript-30-poetry-from-turkey/new-turkish-poetry/bejan-matur
PoetryintheTurkishlanguageisquitevaried,includingfolkpoetry,poetryoftheOttomancourt,aswellascontemporarypoetry.PleaseseetheWikipediapageonTurkishPoetryforfurtherbackground:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poetry_of_Turkey
TheselectionsinthisAnthologyarealloriginaltranslations.Theyaresimplysomefavorites,andarenotyetorganizedinanyparticularorder.Pleaseenjoy!
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 3
Contents
AhmetArif–seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Arif
NazimHikmet–seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nâzım_Hikmet
FazılHüsnüDağlarca–seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fazıl_Hüsnü_Dağlarca
YahyaKemalBeyatlı–seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahya_Kemal_Beyatlı
OrhanVeliKanık-seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orhan_Veli_Kanık
CahitSıtkıTarancı–seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cahit_Sıtkı_Tarancı
YunusEmre–seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yunus_Emre
KaygusuzAbdal-seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaygusuz_Abdal
Karacaoğlan–seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karacaoğlan
SeyyidNesimi
PirSultanAbdal-seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pir_Sultan_Abdal
Emrah
BursalıHalil
Gevheri
AşıkCevdet
AşıkVeysel–seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Âşık_Veysel
SelectedTurkishFolkSongs
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 4
PoemsbyAHMETARIF
INSIDE
Haveyouheard,stonewall?
Irondoor,blindwindow,
Mypillow,mybunk,mychair,
Myhiddensadpictureforwhich
Iriskdeathagainandagain,
Haveyouheard?
Myvisitorbroughtgreenonions,
Mycigarettessmellofcloves
Springhascometothemountainsofmyland
EVENINGCOMESEARLYINPRISON
Eveningcomesearlyinprison.
Ifyouwereadragonitwouldnothelp.
Notyourskillinfighting,
Noryourhell-heartedbravery.
Theydonogoodagainstthelonging,
Finelycreepinginandtakingover.
Eveningcomesearlyinprison.
Thesevenlatchescomedown
Onthesevengates.
Suddenlytheyardisintears.
Acrosstheway,againstthewall,
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 5
Threestemsofnightpleasure,
Threepansyplants….
Itisallthesameterriblelove:
Cloudinthesky,apricotonthebranch.
Imprisonmentstartstohurt.
Theblacknessboredom…
SomeonetalksoftheKurd'sbride
AndIpacenexttomybunk
Andfantasizeimpossiblethings
Ridiculous,naïve,childish…
TobeshotandlostIthink,
Nakedinafight.
Itmustbefair,Ithink,
Friendshipandenmity.
Butnothinghappens,
Thebayonetsarefixed.
Theguard'snightshiftbegins...
WithpassionIstrikeamatch,
Intwodragshalfmycigaretteisgone,
Iinhalethesmokedeeply,
Iinhalethesmokeasiftokillmyself.
Iknowyouwillsay:"Youtoo?"
Buteveningcomesearlyinprison.
Andoutsideahot-bloodedspring,
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 6
Iloveyou,
Madly….
IWOREOUTSHACKLESLONGINGFORYOU
You,toexplainyou.
Togoodchildren,toheroes.
You,toexplainyou,
Tothedishonorable;
Toinsensitive,bastardlylies.
Howmanyendlesscoldwinters?
Thewolfsleeps,thebirdsleeps,theprisonsleeps.
Andoutsidearoaringflowingworld…
OnlyIdidnotsleep,
Howmanysprings,love?
Iworeoutshackleslongingforyou.
Letmeputblood-redrosesinyourhair,
Oneonthisside,
Oneontheother…
You,toshoutyou,
Tobottomlesswells,
Toflowingstars,
Totheinsignificantmatchstick…
Thematchstickfloating
Ontheocean'smostdesertedwave.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 7
Toonewhohaslostthesparkleoflostloves,
Whohaslostkisses,
Whohasnoclaiminthesuddenlydescendingnight,
Whowithaglass,acigarette,justdreamson,
You,toexplainyou…
Yournon-existenceishell'sothername
I'mcold,don'tcloseyoureyes…
YOURLOVE
Yourlovedidnotdesertme,
Iwashungry,Iwasthirsty,
Thenightwastreacherousanddark.
Abodylonely,abodyquiet,
Abodytornapart…
Andmyhandsmanacled,
Iwaswithouttobaccoandsleep,
Yourlovedidnotdesertme.
ANATOLIA1
IhavegivencradlestoNoah,
Swingsandhammocks,
YourmotherEveisstillmybaby,
IamAnatolia,
Doyouknowme?
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 8
Iamashamed,
Ashamedofpoverty,
Nakedinfrontofall…
Myseedlingsarecold,
Myharvestsaresmall.
Inthisworldof
Brotherhood,labor
Andunity,
Aworldoftheblossomingrosesofatombombs,
Andofpoetsandscientists,
Iamalone,
Analoneanddistantland.
Doyouunderstand?
Ihavebeenmilkedformillennia,
Withtheirterriblehorsestheytoreapart
Mygentlemorningslumbers,
Emperors,conquerors,androbbers,
Taxedmylands.
IpaidnomindtoAlexander
OrtoSultanMurat.
Theyhaveleftwithoutatrace!
Ihaveacknowledgedmyfriend
Andlasted…
Doyouunderstand?
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 9
IfyouonlyknewhowIlove,
Koroglu2,
Karayilan2,
Andtheunknownsoldier…
AlsoPirSultan2andBedrettin2.
Andbooksdon'ttell…
Agreatlove…
Ifyouonlyknewhowmuch
Theylovedme.
Ifyouonlyknew,howthoseatUrfa3
Laughedatdeath,
Fromtheminarets,theshelters
Andthecypresstrees.
Idefinitelywantyoutoknow,
Doyouhearme?
Don'tstandthereso…
Sosad,sohelpless…
Whereveryoumaybe,
Insideorout,inclassoratyourdesk,
Walkathim…athim…
Spitintheexecutioner'sface,
Spitattheopportunist,theintriguer,thetraitor…
Strugglebylearning,
Strugglebyworking,
Withyournails,withyourteeth,
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 10
Withhope,withlove,withdreams.
Struggle;don'tdisgraceme.
SeehowIcanberebuilt,
Byyouryoungandhonesthands.
Daughters,
Andsonsinmyfuture,
Eachoneanindispensablepieceoftheearth.
Thebudsofmythousand-yearlonging,
Ikissyoureyes,
Youreyes.
Youaremyonlyhope,
Doyourealize?
Notes:
1. Asiaminor;theAsianpartofTurkey.2. Koroglu,Karayilan,PirSultanandBedrettinareallTurkishfolk
figures/heroes.3. AcityinsoutheasternTurkeywhereanimportantbattleintheTurkishwar
ofindependencetookplace.
THIRTYTHREEBULLETS
1.
ThisisMengeneMountain1
WhenthesunrisesinVan2
ThismountainisNemrut's3baby
AtsunriseacrossfromNemrut
Onesideisavalancheprone;Caucasushorizon.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 11
OnesidefacesMecca;Persianproperty.
Onthesummittheiciclebunches
Escapedpigeonsbythewaterholes
Andtheherdsofroedeer,
Thequailflocks…
Braverycannotbedenied
Inone-to-onecombattheyareunbeaten
Sincethousandsofyears,thepeoplehere.
Come,howcanwedeliverthenews
Theyarenotaflockofcranes
Notaconstellationinthesky
Aheartwiththirtythreebullets
Thirtythreebloodfountains
Unflowing,
Theyhavebecomealakeonthismountain…
2.
Arabbitranfromthefootofthehill
Itsbackisspeckledgrey
Itsstomachmilkwhite
Apoortwo-livedmountainrabbit
Scaredtodeath,sohelpless
Itmakesamanregret
Uncrowded…uncrowdedthehour
Itwasafaultlessnakeddawn
Oneofthethirtythreelooked
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Theheavyemptinessofhungerinhisstomach
Hishairandbeardlong,
Afleaonhiscollar;
Helooked,hisshirtsleevesrolled,
Ahell-heartedbrave,
Firstatthepoorrabbitthenaway.
Herememberedhisflintlock,
Unhappyunderhispillow,
Herememberedtheponyfromthevalleybelow,
Bluebeadsonitsforelocks,
Whiteonitsforehead,
Itsthreehooveswhite,
Arestless,wildandgraceful
Chestnutmare.
HowtheyhadflownpastHozat4
Nowifonlyhehadnotbeen,
Helplessandtied,
Acoldbarrelbehindhisback,
Hecouldhavetakenrefugeintheheights.
Themountains,friendlymountains,knowtheirstrength,
Godknowsthesehandswon'tshameaman,
Craftsman'shands,
Thatinthefirstshot
Blowawaytheburningcigarette'sashes,
Theviper'stongue
Thatsparklesinthesun.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 13
Theseeyesdidnotfailevenonce
Theseeyesexpected
Thedestructionofavalanche-awaitingpasses
Thesnowy,softtreachery
Ofthecliffs…
Hopeless
Hewouldbeshot
Theorderwasfinal,
Lethiseyesbeeatenbyblindreptiles
Hisheartbyvultures…
3.
Ihavebeenshot
Inasecludedpassinthemountains
Atmorningprayertime
Ilie
Bloody,stretchedout…
Ihavebeenshot
Mydreamblackerthannight
Noonetointerpretitforthegood.
Theytakemylifeprematurely
Icannotmakeitintothebooks
Ageneralhasgivenorders
Ihavebeenshot,withouthearingortrial
Friend,writethisjustasIsay
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 14
Somemaythinkitarumor
Thesearenotbreastsofrose
Theyaredum-dumbullets
Inmytornmouth…
4.
Theyexecutedthedeathsentence,
Theybathedinblood
Thebluemountainsmoke
Thehalf-asleepearlymorningbreeze
Thentheycampedthere
Andcarefullytheysearched
Mybreastpocket,
Theytoreapart
Myhand-wovenredbeltfromKirman5
Theytookmybeadsandtobaccocase,
AllpresentsfromIran…
Wearefriends,wearekin,tiedwithblood
Tothevillagesacrosstheborder
Wehaveexchangedwomenforcenturies
Weareneighbors.
Ourchickensoftenmix.
Notoutofignorance,
Outofpoverty,
Wehaveignoredpassports
Thisisoutfatalcrime,
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 15
Nowweareknownasoutlaws
Assmugglers
Asthieves
Astraitors…
Friend,writethisjustasIsay
Somemaythinkitarumor
Thesearenotbreastsofrose
Theyaredum-dumbullets
Inmytornmouth…
5.
Hitme,damnit,
Hitme.
Idon'tdieeasy.
Myessenceistemperedinfire,
Ihaveastandingpromise
Tothosewhounderstand.
MyfathergavehiseyesattheUrfa6front
Andthreeofhisbrothers
Threegentlecypresses,
Threechunksofmountainstillthirstyforlife.
Whenfromthewalls,thehills,theminarets,
Thechildrenoffriendsandkin
StoodagainsttheFrenchbullets,
Hismoustachenewlygrown
MyyoungeruncleNazif
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 16
Handsome,
Light
Goodhorseman
Saidstrikebrothers
Thedayofhonorishere
Andrearedhishorseonitshindfeet.
Friend,writethisjustasIsay
Somemaythinkitarumor
Thesearenotbreastsofrose
Theyaredum-dumbullets
Inmytornmouth…
Notes:
1. MengeneisamountaineasternTurkey2. VanisacityinsoutheasternTurkey3. NemrutislargemountainineasternTurkey4. HozatisatownineasternTurkey5. KirmanisacityinIran6. UrfaisacityinsoutheasternTurkeywhereoneofthebattlesoftheTurkish
warofindependencewasfought
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 17
PoemsbyNAZIMHIKMET
THEHORSEMAN'SSONG
GallopingfromfarthestAsia,
juttingintotheMediterraneanliketheheadofamare,
thiscountryisours.
Wristsinblood,teethclenched,feetbare
andthesoilbeneathlikeasilkcarpet,
thishell,thisheavenisours.
Closethegatesofdependence,nevertobereopened,
eliminateman'sservitudetoman,
thisinvitationisours.
Tolivesingleandfreelikeatree
andinbrotherhoodlikeaforest,
thislongingisours.
THELASTBUS
Midnightthelastbus,
Theticketsarebought.
Thereisnobadnewswaitingformeathome,
Noristhereafeast.
Separationawaitsme.
Iwalktowardsseparationfearless
Andwithoutsorrow.
Iamveryclosetothegreatdarkness.
Icanwatchtheworldnow,
Calmandcomfortable.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 18
Afriend'sdeceptiondoesnotsurprisemenow,
Theknifehestabsmewithasheshakesmyhand.
Useless,theenemynolongerscaresme.
Ihavegonethroughtheforestoffetishes
Chopping,
Howeasilytheyfell.
Ilookedagainatmybeliefs
Manythanksmostofthemwerepure.
Ihadneverfeltsopurifiedbefore,
Norsofree.
Iamveryclosetothegreatdarkness.
Icanwatchtheworldnow,
Calmandcomfortable.
Idon'tliftmyheadfrommyworkandlook,
Fromthepastbeforemeappear,
Aword,
Asmell,
Ahandwaiving,
Thewordisfriendly,
Thesmellisbeautiful,
Itismybelovedwaiving.
Theinvitationofmemoriesnolongersaddensme,
Ihavenocomplaintsaboutmemories,
ThereisnothingIhavecomplaintsaboutanyway,
Notevenaboutmyheart
Thatacheswithoutend,likeahugetooth.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 19
LIKEKEREM*
Theairisleadenthick!
I'm
shouting
out
loud.
Run
I'mcalling
you
tomelt
lead…
Hesaystome:
-Youwillbereducedtoashesbyyourownvoice!
by
burning
like
Kerem…
"Troubles
aremany,
sympathizers
few."
The
ears
of
hearts
aredeaf…
Theairisleadenthick!…
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 20
Isaytohim:
-Letmebereducedtoashes
by
burning
like
Kerem…
IfIdon'tburn
Ifyoudon'tburn
Ifwedon'tburn,
Thenhowcan
darkness
receive
thelight…
Theairispregnantlikesoil.
Theairisleadenthick.
I'm
shouting
out
loud.
Run
I'mcalling
you
tomelt
lead…
Note:
*KeremistheheroofaTurkishfolklegendwhoisconsumedbyfirewhenhelooksathisbeloved(Aslı)beforeheissupposedto(OrpheuslookingbacktoseeEurydice).
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 21
INBERLIN
InBerlinattheAstoriarestaurant
therewasawaitressgirl,
agirllikeadropofsilver.
Shewouldsmileatmeovertheheavy,loadedtrays.
ShelookedlikethegirlsofthecountryIhavelost
ButIdonotknowwhy
shewouldsometimeshaveablackeye.
Ineverhadthechance
tositatoneofthetablesshewaitedon.
HeneveroncesatatthetablesIwaitedon.
Hewasanoldman.
Ithinkhewasilltoo,
hehadaspecialdiet.
Heknewhowtogivemelongsadlooks
buthedidnotknowGerman.
Threemonths,threemeals,hecameandwent,
thenhedisappeared.
Maybehehasreturnedtohiscountry
maybehehasdiedbeforehecouldreturn.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 22
PoemsbyFAZILHÜSNÜDAĞLARCA
GREENINGTHEEARTHANDSKY
Hecomesonabeamoflight
Mevlana*
Mevlanaisn't,
Mevlana
Mevlanais,
Mevlana
Hegoesonabeamoflight
Note:
*MevlanaCelaleddin-iRumi,knownsimplyasRumi,wasa13thcenturyPersianpoet,livinginAnatolia,whowasalsoajurist,Islamicscholar,theologianandaSufimystic.
HOMEFRONTI
ThesonofMehmethadsixsons,
Sixpoplarssixwillowssix
Theygrewwiththedayandnight
Sixpoplarssixwillowssix
Theylivedsofastlikethewind
Sixpoplarssixwillowssix
Sotall,sobroad,sothick
Sixpoplarssixwillowssix
Thefieldsandpasturesemeraldgreen
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 23
Sixpoplarssixwillowssix
Handsplow,handsscythe,handsstone
Sixpoplarssixwillowssix
ThesonofMehmethadsixsons
Sixpoplarssixwillowssix
Opentothesevenlevelsoftheheavens
Sixpoplarssixwillowssix
HOMEFRONTII
Thefather'snamebecamethesons'
AllsixwereMehmet,everybranch
Theirfacesaface
Theireyesaneye
AllsixwereMehmet,everybranch
Theyoungestwas13years
AllsixwereMehmet,everybranch
Theirages4or9yearsapart
Theoldesthadreached48
AllsixwereMehmet,everybranch
Theybroughtjoytothefieldsandanimals
AllsixwereMehmet,everybranch
Theirheightsaheight
Theirhandsahand
AllsixwereMehmet,everybranch
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 24
VOLUNTEERSII
Wecametodivisionheadquarters,theysaid:"Halt!"
Wesalutedatattention
"We'revolunteers,"saidtallMehmet
TheytookustotheCommander
"Hello,"saidastarrywhiteman
Wesalutedatattention
TheCommanderasked:"Whoareyou?Wherefrom?"
Wesalutedatattention
"We'rebrothers,we'llfight,"saidtallMehmetinabreath
Thatinstantaglowpassedthroughthetent
TheCommanderlookedusover,onebyone
Wesalutedatattention
"Blessyoumysons,"saidourcommanderlovingly
Wesalutedatattention
"Assignthemalltothefirstregiment,"hesaid
Thatpreviousglowbrightenedalittle
"Thankyou,"saidtallMehmetwithhiscavernousvoice
Wesalutedatattention
VOLUNTEERSIII
Theregimentcommandersureisyoung
Hecalledusbrothers,brotherswebecame
"Godhasn'tseparatedyou,howcanI?"heasked
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 25
HeassignedallsixtotheFirstCompany
Hecalledusbrothers,brotherswebecame
Heaskedusournamesonebyone
"Mehmet,"saidtallMehmet
"Mehmet,"saidcrazyMehmet
"Mehmet,"saidgreyMehmet
Hecalledusbrothers,brotherswebecame
TheMajor,laughing,said:"andyou?"
"Mehmet,"saidbroadMehmet
"Mehmet,"saidwhiteMehmet
TheMajorthenturnedredwithjoy
Hekissedeachoneofus,said"blessyou"
Hecalledusbrothers,brotherswebecame
THESIXMEHMET'SSQUADRON
TheCaptaincouldnotbeartoseparateseither
Hemadethesixofussquadron
TallMehmetbecameourCorporal
TallMehmetGallipoli,Caucasus,Yemen
Ourelderhadbeenacorporalinthoseplaces
Thewindsofbloodandfireblewoverus
Wecrawled,werolled,wejumped
Ourpalmssplitopenonthehillsandfields
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 26
Thosethreefrontsbecameourchests
Suchhardwork,youhadtoseeit
Welearnedthreemilitaryartsinthreedays
Youcan'ttalkbacktoacorporal
Oursquadronwaslikeasingleman,sounited
Wecommunicatedviawinksandwhistles
Evenwhenwelaydownwewereasifrested
Asifwealwayscarriedtheflag
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 27
PoemsbyYAHYAKEMALBEYATLI
SNOWMUSIC
Thisisthecompositionofathousandyearnight
Thisistheenduringsoundofthesnow
Mournfullikeprayersatasecludedmonastery
Anendlesschorusfromahundredmouths
Thesoundofanorgancomesfromafar
SlavicsadnessI'veexperiencedwithoutjoy
Mymindisfarfromthiscity,thisage
TanburiCemilBey*playsonanoldrecording
SuddenlyIamhappywiththedesiretohear
MyheartisfilledwiththatsoundfromIstanbul
Iimaginedthesnowanddarknessfaded
Forafullnight,inmysleep,IamnowontheBay.
Note:
*NineteenthcenturyOttomantanbourvirtuosoandcomposer
SILENTSHIP
Ifthemomenthasarrivedtoliftanchorfromtime
Ashipgoingtotheunknownleavesthisport
Itsailssilentlyasifithadnopassengers
Notahandkerchief,notahandwaveatdeparture
Thosestandingonthepieraregrievedbythisjourney
Theystareatthebleakhorizon,tearsintheireyes
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 28
Poorsouls!Thisisnotthelastshiptoleave
Thisisnotthelastmourninginasadlife.
Hopelesslytheloversandbelovedwaitinthisworld
Theydonotknowthedepartedwillnotreturn
Allofthemmustbecontentwheretheyhavegone
Manyyearshavepassedandnonereturn.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 29
PoemsbyORHANVELIKANIK
LISTENINGTOISTANBUL
IamlisteningtoIstanbul,myeyesclosed;
Firstasoftbreezeblows;
Slowlytheystir
Theleavesinthetrees:
Distant,verydistant,
Thewatercarrier'sendlessringinggrows;
IamlisteningtoIstanbul,myeyesclosed;
IamlisteningtoIstanbul,myeyesclosed;
Justthenbirdsflyby;
Highup,inhugeflocks,screaming.
Fishingnetsarebeingdrawnoutofthewater;
Thewatertouchesawoman'stoes;
IamlisteningtoIstanbul,myeyesclosed;
IamlisteningtoIstanbul,myeyesclosed;
Thecoolcoveredbazaar;
ThecrowdedMahmutpasamarket;
Pigeonfilledcourtyards.
Thesoundofhammerscomefromthedocks,
Thesmellofsweatandthespringbreezejuxtaposed;
IamlisteningtoIstanbul,myeyesclosed;
IamlisteningtoIstanbul,myeyesclosed;
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 30
Avillawithitssecludedboathouses,
Drunkwiththeflavorofpastdays;
Underadyingsouthwind'sforce
IamlisteningtoIstanbul,myeyesclosed;
IamlisteningtoIstanbul,myeyesclosed;
Acoquettewalksdownthestreet;
Swearing,singingandapproachesgalore.
Somethingfallsfromherhandtotheground;
Itmustbearose;
IamlisteningtoIstanbul,myeyesclosed;
IamlisteningtoIstanbul,myeyesclosed;
Abirdfluttersaboutyourskirt;
Iknowthatyourfaceisflushed;
Iknowthatyourlipsarewet;
Awhitemoonisrisingbehindthetrees
Icantell;yourheartbeatissofull;
IamlisteningtoIstanbul.
HOYLU-LU
Iwouldalsoliketohave
Blackfriendswithstrange,unheardofnames.
Iwouldliketotravelwiththem
FromtheharborsofMadagascartoChina.
Iwouldliketolistentooneofthem
Onthedeckoftheship,facingthestars,
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 31
Singingthesong"HoyLu-Lu"everynight.
AndIwouldliketorunintooneofthem,oneday,
Allofasudden…
InParis.
FORYOU
Foryou,myhumanfriends
Theyareallforyou
Thenightisforyou,aswellastheday
Daylightintheday,moonlightatnight
Leavesinthemoonlight
Curiosityintheleaves
Intelligenceintheleaves
Athousandandgreensinthedaylight
Theyellowsareforyou,aswellasthepinks
Skintouchingapalm
It'swarmth
It'stenderness
Thecomfortinlyingdown
TheHello'sareforyou
Foryouthemastsrockingintheharbor
Thenamesofthedays
Thenamesofthemonths
Thepaintontheboatsisforyou
Foryouthemailman'sfeet
Thepotter'shands
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 32
Thesweatpouringfromforeheads
Thebulletsspentatthefront
Foryouthegravesandgravestones
Theprisons,thehandcuffs,thedeathsentence
Foryou
Theyareallforyou.
INDOORS
Awindow,awindowisbest
Youcanwatchthebirdsflyby
Andyouwon'thavetoseetherest
BEAUTIFULWEATHER
Beautifulweathersuchasthishasruinedme.
Itwasinweathersuchasthis
WhenIresignedmygovernmentjob.
Ibecameaddictedtotobaccoinsuchweather.
InsuchweatherIfellinlove.
Iforgottobringhomethebreadandsalt
Inweathersuchasthis.
Mypoetrywritingdisease
Alwaysrecurredinsuchweather.
Beautifulweathersuchasthishasruinedme.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 33
PoemsbyCAHİTSITKITARANCI
MYDAILYSONG
Whilethecityisdepressing,
Thewindisinviting,
Thefuturefree,
Andthebodyyoung,
Whilethewhitesails
Opendailyinthousands
Onthebluewater,
Whynotsaygoodbye
Tothecity
Andbeapassenger,
Whilethecityisdepressing,
Thewindisinviting,
Thefuturefree,
Andthebodyyoung?
AGE35POEM
Age35!Thehalfwaymarkonourjourney.
LikeDanteweareinthemiddleoflife.
Theessenceofyouthdisappears
(nousemoaningandgroaning)
andpaysnomindtoyourtears.
Arethosesnowflakesonmytemples?
Isthatwrinkledfacereallymine?
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 34
Arethosepurpleringsundermyeyes?
Myoldfriendthemirror,
Iamnowstartingtodespise.
Howapersonchangeswithtime
AnyoldphotoIlookatisnotmine
Wherearethosedaysofpassionandjoy
Thatsmilingmanissurelynotme
ItsaliethatI'mhappy,justaploy
Hazymemoriesoffirstlove
Eventhosememoriesarestrangers
Ouroldfriends:ouryoungpartnersincrime
Havegonetheirseparateways
Ourlonelinessonlygrowswithtime
Theskyactuallyhasmanycolors
AndIjustnoticedthatarockishard,
Thatwaterdrowns,andfireburns
Thateverydaybringsafeelingofdread
Ionlylearnedthesetruthsaftermanyturns
Theredandyellowfallcolors
Iembracethemmoreeveryyear
Whatarethosevulturescircling?
Whodied,whosefuneralisthat?
Whosegardenisthatinruin?
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 35
Deathhangsovereveryone'shead
Onedayyoujustdon'twakeup
Whoknowswhere,when,atwhatage?
Youwillhaveyourlastsay
Onyourfinalthrone:yourgravestone
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 36
PoemsbyYunusEmre
YOU,YOU
Yourlovehastakenmyselfaway
WhatIneedisyou,you
Iburnforyoubothnightandday
WhatIneedisyou,you!
Idonotrejoiceinexistence
Norworryovernothingness
Iamoccupiedbyyourlovingness,
WhatIneedisyou,you!
Discussioniswhatthereligiousneed,
Theotherworldiswhatbelieversneed,
Thebelovediswhatloversneed,
WhatIneedisyou,you!
Heaven,heavenastheycallit,
Afewpalaceswithafewangelsinit..
Givethattowhoeverwantsit,
WhatIneedisyou,you!
YUNUSstandsmyname,
Eachpassingdayfeedsmyflame,
Inbothworldsmydesireisthesame,
WhatIneedisyou,you!
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 37
WATERWHEEL
Waterwheelwhydoyoumoan?
Ihavetroubles,soImoan.
IhavecometoloveGod,
ThatiswhyImoan.
Theycallmethetroubledwheel,
Mywatersrushonby.
Godhascommandedthus.
Ihavetroubles,soImoan.
Iamamountaintree.
Neithersweetnotbitter.
ToGodIamgrateful.
Ihavetroubles,soImoan.
Theycutmylogsfromthemountain,
Andupsetmyvariousorders.
Iamatirelessminstrel,
IhavetroublessoImoan.
Idrawmywaterfrombelow,
Turnandpouritfromuphigh.
ComeseewhatImustendure.
Ihavetroubles,soImoan.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 38
YUNUS,theearth-borndonotlaugh,
Apersondoesnotreachhisgoal.
Inthisworldofdeathnooneisleft.
Ihavetroubles,soImoan.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 39
PoembyKAYGUSUZABDAL
Iboughagoosefromawoman
Itsneckislongerthanapipe
Mayfortyidiotsdryupitsblood
ForfortydaysI'veboiledit,itwon'tcook!
Eightofusgatherwood
Nineofusfeedthefire
Thegoosestillliftsit'sheadandlooks
ForfortydaysI'veboiledit,itwon'tcook!
Wepaidafewpenniesforthegoose
Itsmeatistougherthanitsbones
I'veneitherpanleftnorspoon
ForfortydaysI'veboiledit,itwon'tcook!
Thisisn'tagoose,it'samonster
Forfortyyearsit'stravelledonmagicmountain
Andstrengtheneditswingsandtail
ForfortydaysI'veboiledit,itwon'tcook!
Weputthegooseonastove
Anditflewawaysomewhere
Hey,whatisthisHaciAga*
ForfortydaysI'veboiledit,itwon'tcook!
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 40
Mygoose'swingsareyellow
It'sbonesareworsethanit'smeat
Don'tsellitingoodhealthwoman
ForfortydaysI'veboiledit,itwon'tcook!
Note:
*HaciAgaliterallymeans"PilgrimLord"andisacommontitleofrespect
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 41
PoembyDERTLI
Thisiscalledthestringedsaz
Itobeysneitherscripturenorthejudge.
Ithelpstheplayerunderstandhimself,
Whereisthedevilinthis?
ItsstringcomesfromVenice,
AndthearmfromtheJunipertree.
HeyGod'sstupidcreation,
Whereisthedevilinthis?
Washforprayeranditwon'tsayyoudid,
Ifyouprayitwon'tsayyoudid.
Anditwon'ttakebribeslikethejudgedid,
Whereisthedevilinthis?
Isitinsideoroutside?
Isitinthetuningkeys?
Orisitintheengravings?
Whereisthedevilinthis?
ItsbodyisfromtheMulberrytree,
Andthearmistiedwithhemp.
Hey,youdonkeyofaman!
Whereisthedevilinthis?
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 42
LikeDERTLIitwearsnoturban,
Andhasnosandalsonitsfeet.
Ithasnohornsandnotail,
Whereisthedevilinthis?
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 43
PoemsbyKARACAOĞLAN
I.
AsCukurova*putsonitsholidayclothes
Asitstripsoffitsnakedness
AsFebruarychasesawaythewinterwinds
Mountains,itwouldbefittingtocallyouheaven
Yourtreesbecomedecoratedwithleaves
Yourstonesbelieveinaunity
Flowersspringupalloveryourchest
Mountains,yourspringsroarandflow
Thewindblowsandyourbranchesstir
Yourbirdssingtoeachother
Thisholidaymakestheruinscold
Mountains,whydoesthehyacinthlooksad?
KARACAOĞLANlooksatyouandrejoices
Asherejoiceshisheartbeginstoburn
Allmytroubleswithinmestirandgrow
Mountains,myjoycollapseswithsorrow.
Note:
*CukurovaisalargevalleyinsouthernTurkey.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 44
II.
Whiteswansmigratefromtheirhomes
Warriorsarerestlessfromtheirwoes
Atmorningprayers,frombehindthemountain
Icountedsixbeautiescametothespring
Threeareofaverageheightandverypretty
Threearequitetallandglancearound
Isaid:whyisawhitegazelleatthelake?
Sixcolorfulquailscametothespring
KARACAOĞLANagainlosthimselfinecstasy
Hewentandwanderedintheseaoflove
Thespringcriedbecausethebeautiesleft
Myheartburnedinsympathyforthespring
III.
Death,don'ttireyourselffollowingme
Goawaydeath,andcomebacklater
Youwilltakemeintheend,youwon'tspareme
Goawaydeath,andcomebacklater
JustasI'meatinganddrinkingforawhile
Eatinganddrinkingandwanderinginthemeadows
Youcomeagain,asI'mrunningfromyou
Goawaydeath,andcomebacklater
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 45
Ihaven'tbayedlikethegreywolf
Ihaven'tstoodupagainstthedeceitfulworld
Ihaven'tmetallmyfriendsandpeers
Goawaydeath,andcomebacklater
KARACAOĞLANsays,mytroublesgrowworse
Inthegardenthenightingalessing
Enough,justyesterdayyoutookmymotherandfather
Goawaydeath,andcomebacklater
IV.
Ilookedbeyond,butthereisnothing
Goondeceitfulworld,I'mtiredofyou
Ilaboredhard,itallwenttowaste
Thelifeinmycorpse,I'mtiredofyou
Myloadisheavy,itwon'trise
Life'sbowsareofiron,theycan'tbedrawn
Ilookedtheworldoverforacoygirl
Allthegossipintheworld,I'mtiredofyou
Thisheadofmineistroubledandworried
Mybelongingsarepacked,mybrothersremain
Constantlytearsrunfrommyeyes
Don'tcrymyeyes,I'mtiredofyou
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 46
KARACAOĞLANsays:whathappenedtous?
Foamingbloodcoversourchests
Myhoursbecomemonths,mydaysbecomeyears
Unpassingblackdays,I'mtiredofyou
V.
IwishIcouldbesmokerisinginthesky
IwishIcouldbeaplantgrowingoutoftheearth
IfonlyIcouldberedpolkadottedcottoncloth
Andmybelovedcouldwrapmearoundher
IwishIcouldbethemarkonherarm
IwishIcouldbethedatesheeats
IfonlyIcouldbecolorfulmascara
Andmybelovedcouldputmeonhereyes
KARACAOĞLAN,ifIcouldbeaservant
IfIcouldbeabeltformybeloved'swaist
IfonlyIcouldbeasilkenmattress
Andmybelovedspreadmebeneathher
VI.
Beauty,howyourbeautyhasgrown
SinceIsawyoulast
Yourblackhairhascurled
…it'sbeensolongsinceitwasbraided
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 47
Yourroseinthegardenhasbloomed
Yourmadnightingalehasbeguntosing
Yourbreasthasgrowndirty
…it'sbeensolongsinceitwaslastsuckled
Iwashedmyhandkerchief
Andhungitonarosebranchtodry
Ihaveforgottenwhatmynamewas
…it'sbeensolongsinceIwaslastasked
QuicklyIcaughtupfrombehindyou
Ibentoverandkissedyourface
Iusedtoknowyourname,Iforgot
…it'sbeensolongsinceIlastcalledyou
Mybelovedisangrywithme
Shehasletherhairdowntoherneck
Shehascutoffherlovefromme
…it'sbeensolongsinceshewaslastloved
CallKARACAOĞLANcall
Astonegrowsheavywhereitfalls
Amangrowscoldfromtheoneheloves
Whenit'sbeensolongsincehewaslasthugged
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 48
PoembySEYYIDNESIMI*
TodayIwenttomysage
Thesage'sfaceisarose,arose
Hesitsinhisrightfulthrone
Histhroneisarose,arose
Theymakeabalanceofroses
Theyweighroseswithroses
Theybuyroses,sellroses
Themarketplaceisarose,arose
Theearthisarose,thestoneisarose
Thedryisarose,thedampisrose
Inthisveryspecialgarden
Histallfigureisarose,arose
Amillofrosesturnsaround
Andinitrosesareground
Thewaterflows,thewheelturns
Thedam,thespringisarose,arose
Awhiteroseandaredrose
Thepairgrewinagarden
Theyglanceateachother
Thethornisarose,theflowerarose
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 49
Come,comeSeyyidNesimi
AsongofGodisarose,arose
Thisstrangenightingalethatsings
Hisgriefandcriesareforarose,arose
Note:
*SeyyidNesimiwasamysticwhobelievedinpantheism.HebelongedtotheBektaşiorder(oneofthelargestSufimysticalorders)andhewasanapprenticetothesagehementionsinthispoem.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 50
Poems/SongsbyPIRSULTANABDAL
BePleasanttoYourOx
Hebringsstronglogsfromthemountains
Hebringsthemandthefireburnsthem
Everyhome'sgoverningrestsontheox
Farmers,bepleasanttoyourox
Makealowroofovertheox'shead
Don'tleavehimwet,putdryhay'neathhim
Aftereveryplowingkisshiseyes
Farmers,bepleasanttoyourox
Lord,Lord(Hudey,Hudey)*
IfIwereanightingale,ifIflightedandperched
TostandinthecourtofGod
IfIwerearosyredapple
IfIsproutedonyourbranch,whatwouldyousay?
Lord,lord;Lord,lord…
Ifyouwerearosyredapple
Ifyoucametosproutonmybranch
IfIwereasilvercladcrookedstaff
IfIweretolandablow,whatwouldyousay?
Lord,lord;Lord,lord…
Ifyouwereaslivercladcrookedstaff
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 51
Ifyoucametolandablow
IfIwereahandfulofmillet
IfIwasscatteredontheground,whatwouldyousay?
Lord,lord;Lord,lord…
Ifyouwereahandfulofmillet
Ifyoucametobescatteredontheground
IfIwereabeautifulgreypartridge
IfIgatherupeverygrain,whatwouldyousay?
Lord,lord;Lord,lord…
Ifyouwereabeautifulgreypartridge
Ifyoucametogatherupeverygrain
IfIwereayounghawk
IfIseizedyouandflewoff,whatwouldyousay?
Lord,lord;Lord,lord…
Ifyouwereayounghawk
Ifyoucametoseizemeandflyoff
IfIwereasquallofsleet
IfIbrokeyourwing,whatwouldyousay?
Lord,lord;Lord,lord…
Ifyouwereasquallofsleet
Ifyoucametobreakmywing
IfIwereawildnor’easter
IfIgustanddisperse,whatwouldyousay?
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 52
Lord,lord;Lord,lord…
Ifyouareawildnor’easter
Ifyoucametogustanddisperse
IfIhadagreatsickness
IfIliebeforeyou,whatwouldyousay?
Lord,lord;Lord,lord…
Ifyouhadagreatsickness
Ifyoucametoliebeforeme
IfIweretheAngelofDeath
IfItookyoursoul,whatwouldyousay?
Lord,lord;Lord,lord…
IfyouweretheAngelofDeath
Ifyoucametotakemysoul
IfIwereasubjectdestinedforheaven
IfIascendedtoheaven,whatwouldyousay?
Lord,lord;Lord,lord…
Ifyouwereasubjectdestinedforheaven
Ifyouascendedtoheaven
IfyoufoundyourmasterPIRSULTAN
Ifweascendedtogether,whatwouldyousay?
Lord,lord;Lord,lord….
Note:*Thisisasongofduelingminstrels,aboyandagirl,whohandoffthestringedinstrument(saz)toeachotherforeachalternatingverse
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 53
PoembyEMRAH
InthemornIcalledatasapling,
Isaidareyousleepy?ShesaidNo,No!
Herwhitedimpledhandswerepaintedwithhenna1,
Isaidisitaholiday?ShesaidNo,No!
Isaidwhatisapearl?Shesaidmyteeth;
Isaidwhatisapencil?Shesaidmyeyebrow.
Isaidwhatisfifteen?Shesaidmyage;
Isaidistheremore?ShesaidNo,No!
IsaidwhatisErzurum2?Shesaidmyhomeland,
Isaidwillyoucome?Shesaiditismyroad.
IsaidwhoisEMRAH?Shesaidmyslave,
Isaidwillyousellhim?ShesaidNo,No!
Notes:
1. ItisacustominruralTurkeyforwomentopainttheirhandswithhennaatweddingsandotherspecialoccasions.
2. Erzurumisthenameofaprovince,anditscapitalcity,innortheasternTurkey.
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 54
PoembyBURSALIHALİL
Roadsthatwindandstraighten
Aretheylonelylikeme?
Floodsthatflowwitharoar
Aretheylonelylikeme?
Inthedayandinthenight
Weareenchantedbyit
Thestarupinthesky
Isitlonelylikeme?
Bloodytearsflowfrommyeyes
Andembroidermyheart'swounds
Birdsthatleavethenest
Aretheylonelylikeme?
Floodsthatflowwitharoar
Windsthatblowatsunset
Serfsthatleavetheirlord
Aretheylonelylikeme?
HALILsays:twogoals
Stirintheheart
Thoseseparatedfromtheirbeloved
Aretheylonelylikeme?
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 55
PoembyGEVHERI
Hazeleyedshybeauty
Ifearforyoufromblood
Notonlyfromblood,heybeauty
Ifearforyoufromlife!
Don'tlookaboutyoulikethat
Don'tputmyjealousytoatest
Don'tputyourhandonyourbreast
Ifearforyoufromyou!
GEVHERIsays,Iamagoodman
Mytroubleswillnotleavemyheart
Iamwolf,youarealamb
Ifearforyoufromme!
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 56
PoembyAŞIKCEVDET
It'slikeacloud,it'slikeabird
Likeafantasyoradream
Itsketchesanoceanbeforemyeyes
Thiswaveofcigarettesmoke
Longing,domesticproblems,loveproblems
ThegenerousLordhasgivenmeeveryproblem
IttellseveryoneIamtroubled
Thiswaveofcigarettesmoke
Mywholevillageappearssmoky
Mycoymistressisgoingtofetchwater
Itmakesmylittleheartachewithlonging
Thisringofcigarettesmoke
MaytheLordletmeseemybeloved
Thisyearwe'llgotothehighlands
Likeastrangetravelleritleavesit'shome
Thisstumblingcigarettesmoke
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 57
Poem/SongbyAŞIKVEYSEL
THEBLACKSOIL
Iturnedtomanyasafriend
Myloyalbelovedistheblacksoil
Itraveledandgrewwearyfornoend
Myloyalbellowedistheblacksoil
Ibecameattachedtomanyabeauty
Iwasneverrewardedwithloyalty
Igotmyeverywishfromthesoil
Myloyalbelovedistheblacksoil
Itgavemesheep,lambsandmilk
Itgavemefood,breadandmeat
GavelittlewhenIdidn'tbeatitwithapick
Myloyalbelovedistheblacksoil
IthasfedmyancestorssinceAdam
Ithasgivenmeavarietyoffruit
Ithascarriedmeonitsbackeveryday
Myloyalbelovedistheblacksoil
Isplititsstomachwithpicksandhoes
Itoreitsfacewithmynailsandhands
Itstillgreetedmewitharose
Myloyalbelovedistheblacksoil
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 58
ItlaughedatmeasItorturedit
Thisisnolie,everyonesawit
Igaveitaseed,itgavemefourgardens
Myloyalbelovedistheblacksoil
IfIlooktotheskyIgetair
IfIlooktothesoil,Igetaprayer
IfIleavethesoil,Ihavenolair
Myloyalbelovedistheblacksoil
AskGodifyouhaveawish
Butstaynearthesoiltoreceiveit
GenerositywasgiftedthesoilbytheLord
Myloyalbelovedistheblacksoil
Ifyouseekthetruth,hereisafact
Godisclosetoman,andmantoGod
God'shiddentreasureisintheearth
Myloyalbelovedistheblacksoil
Thesoilcoversupallourfaults
Itprovidesmedicinetohealourwounds
Withopenarmsitstandsinmypath
Myloyalbelovedistheblacksoil
Whoeverrealizesthissecret
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 59
Leavestheworldanimmortalact
OnedayitwilltakeVEYSELintoitsbosom
Myloyalbelovedistheblacksoil
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 60
SelectedTurkishFolkSongs
GoldenGirl(AltınHızma,Mülayim)
Goldengirl,gentlesoul,
IaskyourhandfromtheLord.
InJulyonasummerday,
Youperspire,Iwipeaway.
I'vehadmyday,manyajoyouskiss,
YetIseeyourfaceanditisbliss
Goldengirl,sheismypearl,
Herredblouseisunfurled.
Ifindmyselftongue-tied,
WhateverIaskisdenied.
I'vehadmyday,manyajoyouskiss,
YetIseeyourfaceanditisbliss
Goldengirl,herlipsarered,
Matchingtherosycheeksonherhead.
Comelet’sseeeachothermydear,
IsoonwillbefarawayIfear.
I'vehadmyday,manyajoyouskiss,
YetIseeyourfaceanditisbliss
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 61
I’llbethereassoonastheHoopoessing(İbibiklerÖterÖtemezOrdayım)
Black-eyedbeautydon’tbesad…justsmile
I’llbethereassoonastheHoopoessing
Yousayinyourletter:comenow
Whenthemilkturnstocream,I’llbethere
Eventhemountainsandrocksareinlonging
Myheartinmychesthasnopatience
Nightisfallingbeyondthemountains
Whenthesunisset,I’llbethere
Springishere,thesheepandlambsareplaying
Twolovershavenowwaitedfouryears
Myblack-eyedtimeforweddingaffairsisneigh
Whenmynationaldebtispaid,I’llbethere
WhatDotheFatesWantFromMe?(BilmemŞuFeleğinBendeNesiVar)
WhatdotheFateswantfromme?
EverywhereIgotheydemandalover
AsifIhadagardenwithpurplehyacinth
InthemonthofJanuary,mydear,theydemandarose
Iwastiredandsatbytheroadside
Hopingbeautieswouldgather‘round
IbroughtadeclarationfromtheSultan
TurkishPoetry-May15,2019 62
Thateveryone,mydear,beunitedwiththeirtruelove
Olivetreesinthefrontyards
Haveshedtheirleaves,leavingbarebranches
Ifyourheartisnotforme
CallmebrotherandI’llcallyousister