ANTALYA VIII

1
At the dawn of oleander blossoms
Our arms reach out like aqueducts
We roamed about like ancient citizens
We set all the slaves and captives free.
Leaving our footprints on the golden sand,
The land between Serik1 and Manavgat,
From the sea all the way to the mountains,
The pine forest deeded to the Tuğay family!
Keeps the young ones, Ülkün2 and Erkut,3 wondering.

2
In the Red Tower with eight facades
The touching songs of a friend, Özgen,
Coasting down the blue-shaded hill
Our hearts were reflected in the mirror of the sea
Our eyes rested on the green of pine trees.
They have orange hair and pomegranate lips,
The Amazons with firm breasts.

Oğuz Tansel

Translated by Nilüfer Mizanoğlu Reddy
World of Tales, Elips Kitap, 2012.
1 A town located 38 km to the East of Antalya
2 Son of the poet Oğuz Tansel
3 Son of the poet’s friend Hilmi Özgen, member of the body of inspectors under the office of the Prime Minister