Wind

Cahit Külebi

WIND

A wind just blew past this way
I ran but couldn't catch it.
Where it has wandered about
I could not find out.

Obviously coming out of the sea
It must have swept along the seashore
The smell of salt, tar, sweat
Must have nauseated it.

Then starting to climb towards the mountains
It must have herded the clouds like sheep
Caressing the grass on the plains
Must have nourished them.

If it has stopped by in the villages
It must have rocked cradles in humid, dark rooms
Must have brought solace
To those working under the sun.

Then beginning to ascend towards the plains,
In the poppy fields pink, lilac, white
In the arid soil blue thorns...
Dust must have gone into his eyes.

It must have stopped by at cities since it went past me.
Must have seen girls looking like poppies.
A smile, a strand of hair, rouge and powder
It must have carried away.

A wind just blew past this way
I ran but could not catch it.
Perhaps it would have told me
But I could not ask.

Translated by Suat Karantay