I AM LISTENING TO İSTANBUL

I am listening to Istanbul,intent,my eyes closed:
At first there is a gentle breeze
And the leaves on the trees
Softly sway;
Out there ,far away ,
The bells of the water -carriers unceasingly ring;
I am listening to Istanbul , intent, my eyes closed .

I am listening to Istanbul , intent, my eyes closed:
Then suddenly birds fly,
Floks of birds,high up, with a hue and cry,
While the nets are drawn in the fishing grounds
And a woman's feet begin to dabble in the water.
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent,my eyes closed:
Still giddy from the revelries of the past,
A seaside mansion with dingy boathouses is fast asleep.
Amid the din and drone of southem winds, reposed,
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed:
A pretty girl walks by on the pavement;
Four-letter words, whistles and songs, rude remarks;
Something falls out of her hands
It is a rose, I think.
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.

I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed:
A bird flutters around your skirt;
On your brow, is there sweat? Or not? I know.
Are your lips wet? Or not? I know.
A silver moon rises beyond the pine trees;
I can sense it all in your heart's threbbing.
I am listening to Istanbul, intent, my eyes closed.