Samad Vurghun

 

MOUNTAINS

 

Translated by Peter Tempest

 

Long have I roamed in solitude

Among your peaks, like tents to view,

And my poetic muse in you

Has found her inspiration, mountains!

A deer looks timidly around

And to the spring comes lightly down.

I watch the path and list each sound.

How can I live without you, mountains?

In plains do nomads make their home,

The eagles—under heaven's dome.

In spring forever would I roam

Along your winding valleys, mountains!

This world I enter as a guest,

But when my time shall come to rest

Remembrance of Vurgun will best

Be cherished by these loyal mountains.