Rock Also Decays

Ali Cengizkan

ROCK ALSO DECAYS

Thus said Master Rüstem who cleaned the rock tomb.

Rock also decays.

If you have gone beyond the narrow streets smelling of figs,
you must have seen
O the seashore a little boy throwing stones into the water

Rock also decays.

Bend down a bit, lean over the rusty railing
Look where the water meets the pier
Rock also decays.

On the beach the old boatman is putting the first coat on the pinewood
The child has grown up, knows how to swim and play in the water

My soul does not decay; teardrops do not penetrate,
nor do your bullets

Let the rock decay.

Translated by Suat Karantay