Abdurehim Ötkur
translated by Aziz Isa Elkun
The moth in the candle flame
Burns itself bravely
For your beautiful face my love
I would sacrifice myself.
Once you came with a smile
The flower garden was filled with your love
Where have these days gone
Now I have become a wanderer.
My hair grows long, a stick in my hand
My lightless eyes gaze down the road
If anyone met me now
They would be astonished.
I want to see your beautiful face once
Without placing my head at your feet
Will this suffering never end
Will this life pass in sorrow.
Following Nawayi’s trail of misery
I see my beloved’s reflection in the wine
Holding a wine cup in my hand
I go from one wine shop to another.