Song

Cahit Külebi

SONG

Your lips are red,
Your hands are white
Take my hands, child,
Hold them a while.

In the village where I was born
There were no walnut trees
That's why I yearn for coolness.
Fondle me a while.

In the village where I was born
There were no cornfields
so scatter your hair, child,
Flaunt it a while.

In the village where I was born
Bandits struck by night.
That's why I hate to be alone
Speak with me a while.

In the village where I was born
Men did not know how to laugh.
That's why I am still so wretched
Make me laugh a while.

In the village where I was born
The north winds blew.
That's why my lips are cracked
Kiss them a while.

You are light and beauty, like my country,
The village where I was born was beautiful too.
Now tell me of the place where you were born
Tell me a while.

Translated by Bernard Lewis