Fable of Fables

Fable of Fables Nazim Hikmet  
We are by the waterside
the plane tree and I.
Our reflections are thrown on the water
the plane tree’s and mine.
The sparkle of the water hits us
the plane tree and me. We are by the waterside
the plane tree, I and the cat.
Our reflections are thrown on the water
the plane tree’s, mine and the cat’s.
The sparkle of the water hits us
the plane tree, me and the cat. We are by the waterside
the plane tree, I, the cat and the sun.
Our reflections are thrown on the water
the plane tree’s, mine, the cat’s and the sun’s.
The sparkle of the water hits us
the plane tree, me, the cat and the sun. We are by the waterside
the plane tree, I, the cat, the sun and our life.
Our reflections are thrown on the water
the plane tree’s, mine, the cat’s, the sun’s and our life’s.
The sparkle of the water hits us
the plane tree, me, the cat, the sun and our life. We are by the waterside.
First the cat will go
its reflection will be lost on the water.
Then I will go
my reflection will be lost on the water.
Then the plane tree will go
its reflection will be lost on the water.
Then the water will go
the sun will remain
then it will go too. We are by the waterside
the plane tree, I, the cat, the sun and our life.
The water is cool
the plane tree is huge
I am writing a poem
the cat is dozing
the sun is warm
it’s good to be alive.
The sparkle of the water hits us
the plane tree, me, the cat, the sun, our life. Translated by Richard McKane