ORHAN VELİ- LISTENING TO ISTANBUL

LISTENING TO ISTANBUL

I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
First a soft breeze blows;
Slowly they stir
The leaves in the trees:
Distant, very distant,
The water carrier’s endless ringing grows;
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;

I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
Just then birds fly by;
High up, in huge flocks, screaming.
Fishing nets are being drawn out of the water;
The water touches a woman’s toes;
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;

I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
The cool covered bazaar;
The crowded Mahmutpaşa market;
Pigeon filled courtyards.
The sound of hammers come from the docks,
The smell of sweat and the spring breeze juxtaposed;
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;

I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
A villa with its secluded boathouses,
Drunk with the flavor of past days;
Under a dying south wind’s force
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
A coquette walks down the street;
Swearing, singing and flirting galore.
Something falls from her hand to the ground;
It must be a rose;
I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;

I am listening to Istanbul, my eyes closed;
A bird flutters about your skirt;
I know that your face is flushed;
I know that your lips are wet;
A white moon is rising behind the trees
I can tell; your heartbeat is so full;
I am listening to Istanbul

translated by Nilda PAŞAOĞLU