I want a country

I want a country
Let the sky be blue, the bough green, the cornfield yellow
Let it be a land of birds and flowers.

I want a country
Let there be no pain in the head, no yearning in the heart
Let there be an end to brothers' quarrels.

I want a country
Let there be no rich and poor, no you and me
On winter days let everyone have house and home.

I want a country
Let living be like loving from the heart
If there must be complaint, let it be of death.

Cahit Sitki Taranci (1910-1956)
Translated by Bernard Lewis

Posted: 11:05 a.m. EST May 15, 2006 by me ts