POETS AND THEIR POEMS

---

Nazim Hikmet's Poem Nazim Hikmet (RAN) (1902, Salonica - June 3, 1963, Moscow) Poet, playwright, novelist, memoirist -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Living is no laughing matter: you must live with great seriousness like a squirrel, for example- I mean without looking for something beyond and above living, I mean living must be your whole occupation. Yasamak sakaya gelmez, buyuk bir ciddiyetle yasayacaksin bir sincap gibi mesela, yani, yasamanin disinda ve otesinde hicbir sey beklemeden, yani butun isin gucun yasamak olacak. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heading 2 The Walnut Tree my head foaming clouds, sea inside me and out I am a walnut tree in Gulhane Park an old walnut, knot by knot, shred by shred Neither you are aware of this, nor the police I am a walnut tree in Gulhane Park My leaves are nimble, nimble like fish in water My leaves are sheer, sheer like a silk handkerchief pick, wipe, my rose, the tear from your eyes My leaves are my hands, I have one hundred thousand I touch you with one hundred thousand hands, I touch Istanbul My leaves are my eyes, I look in amazement I watch you with one hundred thousand eyes, I watch Istanbul Like one hundred thousand hearts, beat, beat my leaves I am a walnut tree in Gulhane Park neither you are aware of this, nor the police Nazim Hikmet
ORHAN VELI Orhan Veli Kanik (1914, Istanbul - November 14, 1950, Istanbul) I buy old clothes. I buy old clothes and cut them into stars. Music is the food of love. I love music. I write poetry. I write poetry and buy old clothes. I sell old clothes and buy music; If I could also be a fish in a bottle of booze...
Comments and Suggestions Please send an email for any comments and suggestions to mavrukgok@hotmail.com
Questions Please send an email for any questions to mavrukgok@hotmail.com
ORHAN VELI I AM LISTENING TO ISTANBUL I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed; At first there blows a gentle breeze And the leaves on the trees Softly flutter or sway; Out there, far away, The bells of water carriers incessantly ring; I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed. I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed; Then suddenly birds fly by, Flocks of birds, high up, in a hue and cry While nets are drawn in the fishing grounds And a woman's feet begin to dabble in the water. I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed. I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed. The Grand Bazaar is serene and cool, A hubbub at the hub of the market, Mosque yards are brimful of pigeons, At the docks while hammers bang and clang Spring winds bear the smell of sweat; I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed. I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed; Still giddy since bygone bacchanals, A seaside mansion with dingy boathouses is fast asleep, Amid the din and drone of southern winds, reposed, I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed. I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed. Now a dainty girl walks by on the sidewalk: Cusswords, tunes and songs, malapert remarks; Something falls on the ground out of her hand, It's a rose I guess. I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed. I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed; A bird flutters round your skirt; I know your brow is moist with sweat And your lips are wet. A silver moon rises beyond the pine trees: I can sense it all in your heart's throbbing. I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed. Orhan Veli Kanik Translated by Goksel MAVRUK (2000)
ATAOL BEHRAMOGLU SCHOOLROOM ADVICE AND RESPONSE -White silver is for blackest days So save up your money well -And one who lacks for daily needs What should he do teacher, pray tell? -Our elders often said to us Drop by drop one makes a lake -But about this lake, please teacher say How long does the making take -He who can't do with little can never find a lot So we should learn to get along with no more than a jot. -Then you might have also said that one will surely find In a body of diminished health, a less than healthy mind. -A tree bends down when it is green Get this proverb by heart just so. -But it suits a man to be standing tall You said just a moment ago. -Good health is the end of patience For us to know patience is fine -But what if the rock of patience One day cracks, oh teacher mine? Ataol Behramoglu