Nazim Hikmet

GIDERAYAK

Giderayak  islerim var bitirilecek,

                                                 giderayak.

Ceylani kurtardim avcinin elinden

ama daha baygin yatar ayilamadi.

Kopardim portakali dalindan

ama kabugu soyulmadi.

Oldum yildizlarla hasir nesir

ama sayisi bir tamam sayilmadi.

kuyudan cektim suyu

ama bardaklara konulamadi

Guller dizildi tepsiye

ama tasdan fincan oyulmadi

Sevdalara doyulmadi

Giderayak islerim var bitirilecek,

                                                 giderayak.

***

Departing

Before departing,  I have things to complete,

                                                   before departing.

I saved the deer  from a hunter,

still lay on the ground unconscience. 

I pick the orange from  the branch

still not pill off the skin.

I have acquainted with the stars

still not accounted their numbers.

I draw water from the well

still not poured the glasses.

Roses lined up on the plate

still not carved cup from the stone.

I am not fulfil with the love

before departing,  I have things to complete,

                                                 before departing.

Translation: Selim M. Ozalp