THE WALNUT TREE
my head foaming clouds, sea inside me and out I am a walnut tree in Gulhane Park an old walnut, knot by knot, shred by shred Neither you are aware of this, nor the police
I am a walnut tree in Gulhane Park My leaves are nimble, nimble like fish in water My leaves are sheer, sheer like a silk handkerchief pick, wipe, my rose, the tear from your eyes My leaves are my hands, I have one hundred thousand I touch you with one hundred thousand hands, I touch Istanbul My leaves are my eyes, I look in amazement I watch you with one hundred thousand eyes, I watch Istanbul Like one hundred thousand hearts, beat, beat my leaves
I am a walnut tree in Gulhane Park neither you are aware of this, nor the police
Nâzım HİKMET Translated by Gün GENCER