Like the unchanging cliffs,
I would remain just as I am.
But I am living in this world
and cannot hold time back.

translated by Ian Hideo Levy

Because of your long neck
you are a sad animal;
always quiet and gentle.
Your line must have been of high birth,
you have their noble crown.
Looking at your image in the water
brings back long-lost tales
with a nostalgia too sharp to bear.
You look over, stretching your sad neck
toward the far hill.

translated by Ko Won

Blue water
burning moon

on South Lake
he gathers lilies

the lotus flowers
whisper

the lone boatman
sighs

translated by David Young

Spring flowers, Autumn moons,
Water lilies still carry
Away my heart like a lost
Boat. As long as I am flesh
And bone I will never find
Rest. There will never come a
Time when I will be able
To rest my emotions.

translated by Kenneth Rexroth

I am like a jackfruit on the tree.
To taste you must plug me quick, while fresh;
the skin rough, the pulp thick, yes,
but oh, I warn you against touching–
the rich juice will gush and stain your hands.

translated by Nguyen Ngoc Bich

Clean fall wind
clear fall moon

leaves heaped by the wind
leaves scattered

a cold raven
flaps slowly
from his roost

thoughts of you
fill my head

will I ever
see you again?

the ache
around my heart
gets bigger

translated by David Young

Dance, when you’re broken open.
Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off.
Dance in the middle of the fighting.
Dance in your blood.
Dance, when you’re perfectly free.

translated by Coleman Barks with John Moyne

Snow closed the road
you weren’t there
kneeling and facing you
I gazed at your face
with my eyes closed.

Ships won’t sail, planes won’t fly
you weren’t there
across from you I was leaning on the wall
I spoke and spoke and spoke
without opening my mouth.

You weren’t there
I touched you with my hands
my hands were on your face.

translated by Talat S. Halman

a sip today of
Turkish coffee no sugar
kick the brain alive

Only great poems can capture the hearts of those who don’t read;
So poets, sing! Let the God-of-Oceans fill your mouths with pearls.

O Haliz, if you are seeking the pearl of union, do this:
From tears, make yourself an ocean. . .and then dive!

translated by Thomas Rain Crowe