The Tulip

Melih Cevdet ANDAY

THE TULIP

I undressed you with my own hands, like the spring
Laying the petals open,
Your haste was all seeds like a pomegranate.

Oh the singing forest of sighs
The heart of kisses and glances
Questions in its fresh silence.

The roof of your desire floated in the sky,
It was humming yellow butterflies
When every inch of you burst out.

I tied you down with my teeth
Like a greedy silk-worm,

Your redness was a crescent

Two slices of tulip on the sheets.

Translated by Şehnaz Tahir