Fable of Fables

Fable of Fables

Nazim Hikmet

We are by the waterside

the plane tree and I.

Our reflections are thrown on the water

the plane tree’s and mine.

The sparkle of the water hits us

the plane tree and me.

We are by the waterside

the plane tree, I and the cat.

Our reflections are thrown on the water

the plane tree’s, mine and the cat’s.

The sparkle of the water hits us

the plane tree, me and the cat.

We are by the waterside

the plane tree, I, the cat and the sun.

Our reflections are thrown on the water

the plane tree’s, mine, the cat’s and the sun’s.

The sparkle of the water hits us

the plane tree, me, the cat and the sun.

We are by the waterside

the plane tree, I, the cat, the sun and our life.

Our reflections are thrown on the water

the plane tree’s, mine, the cat’s, the sun’s and our life’s.

The sparkle of the water hits us

the plane tree, me, the cat, the sun and our life.

We are by the waterside.

First the cat will go

its reflection will be lost on the water.

Then I will go

my reflection will be lost on the water.

Then the plane tree will go

its reflection will be lost on the water.

Then the water will go

the sun will remain

then it will go too.

We are by the waterside

the plane tree, I, the cat, the sun and our life.

The water is cool

the plane tree is huge

I am writing a poem

the cat is dozing

the sun is warm

it’s good to be alive.

The sparkle of the water hits us

the plane tree, me, the cat, the sun, our life.

Translated by Richard McKane

A brilliant poem by the greatest of all Turkish poets and translated by the finest 'Englisher' of Turkish verse I've ever come across.