The Legend

A ship
that is full of legends
inside and outside
on its sailclothes
and in its grain silos.

A bird
Follows it
the Padishah
has offered those legends
for the country’s children.

A bird
Follows them
The eyes of the sailors
sparkle at nights
such as stars

A bird
Calls them
The captain
controls each of the sailors
and puts their swords in order

”Keep your eyes open” he says
That island over there
is full of

Legendary thieves

A bird listens
to those.
They passed away quietly
without waking the thieves

Now there is a legend
in each child’s hand.

A bird flies
over each one’s head.

Translated by S. Akbulut