Fable of Fables

Fable of

Nazim Hikmet We are by the watersidethe plane tree and I.

Our reflections are thrown on the waterthe plane tree’s and mine.

The sparkle of the water hits usthe plane tree and me.

We are by the watersidethe plane tree,

I and the cat.

Our reflections are thrown on the waterthe plane tree’s, mine and the cat’s.

The sparkle of the water hits usthe plane tree, me and the cat.

We are by the watersidethe plane tree,

I, the cat and the sun.

Our reflections are thrown on the waterthe plane tree’s, mine, the cat’s and the sun’s.

The sparkle of the water hits usthe plane tree, me, the cat and the sun.

We are by the watersidethe plane tree,

I, the cat, the sun and our life.

Our reflections are thrown on the waterthe plane tree’s, mine, the cat’s, the sun’s and our life’s.

The sparkle of the water hits usthe plane tree, me, the cat, the sun and our life.

We are by the waterside.

First the cat will goits reflection will be lost on the water.

Then I will gomy reflection will be lost on the water.

Then the plane tree will goits reflection will be lost on the water.

Then the water will gothe sun will remainthen it will go too.

We are by the watersidethe plane tree,

I, the cat, the sun and our life.

The water is coolthe plane tree is hugeI am writing a poemthe cat is dozingthe sun is warmit’s good to be alive.

The sparkle of the water hits usthe plane tree, me, the cat, the sun, our life.

Translated by Richard

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