A fellow blogger inspired me to share this beautiful Turkish poem, that has been translated in English, about Istanbul with you. She also made me realize that my love for poetry hasn't disappeared. Poetry to me are powerful and can stir emotions deep inside. It makes you feel, tastes, hear and see a setting in full color in your mind and in this poem by Orhan Veli Kanic, it feels like I'm standing in the middle of Istanbul while reading it.
Please read her beautiful post about how a young Turkish student taught her to appreciate the joys and experiences you share with somebody, even if it is just for a short time. Thank you Empty Nest Expat!
www.empty-nest-expat.blogspot.com
I listen to Istanbul
by Orhan Veli Kanic
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed:
At first there is a gentle breeze
And the leaves on the trees
Softly sway;
Out there, far away,
The bells of water-carriers unceasingly 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, with a hue and cry,
While the 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's serene and cool,
An uproar at the hub of the Market,
Mosque yards are full of pigeons.
While hammers bang and clang at the docks
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 from the revelries of the past,
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.
A pretty girl walks by on the sidewalk:
Four-letter words, whistles and songs, rude remarks;
Something falls out of her hand –
It is 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;
On your brow, is there sweet? Or not ? I know.
Are your lips wet? Or not? I know.
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.
…and then the original Turkish version.
Istanbul'u Dinliyorum
Istanbul'u dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali
Önce hafiften bir rüzgar esiyor;
Yavas yavas sallaniyor
Yapraklar, agaçlarda;
Uzaklarda, çok uzaklarda,
Sucularin hiç durmayan çingiraklari
Istanbul'u dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali.
Istanbul'u dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali;
Kuslar geçiyor, derken;
Yükseklerden, sürü sürü, çigl?k çiglik.
Aglar çekiliyor dalyanlarda;
Bir kadinin suya degiyor ayaklari;
stanbul'u dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali.
Istanbul'u dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali;
Serin serin Kapal?çarsi
Civil civil Mahmutpasa
Güvercin dolu avlular
Çekiç sesleri geliyor doklardan
Güzelim bahar rüzgar?nda ter kokulari;
Istanbul'u dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali.
Istanbul'u dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali
Bas?mda eski alemlerin sarhoslugu
Los kayikhaneleriyle bir yali;
Dinmis lodoslar?n ugultusu içinde
Istanbul'u dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali.
Istanbul'u dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali;
Bir yosma geciyor kaldirimdan;
Küfürler, sarkilar, türküler, laf atmalar.
Bir sey düsüyor elinden yere;
Bir gül olmali;
Istanbul'u dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali.
Istanbul'u dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali;
Bir kus çirpiniyor eteklerinde;
Alnin sicak mi, degil mi, biliyorum;
Dudaklarin islak mi, degil mi, biliyorum;
Beyaz bir ay doguyor fistiklarin arkasindan
Kalbinin vurusundan anliyorum;
Istanbul'u dinliyorum.