just to spite nothingness,
with which death denies existence,
this life was born of hate and grudge

hid the gods’ boredom
clouds fallen out of rain 
blended soil with tears
created a man from clay

on the reef wind scattered 
the myth had it that
gods in love entered the nuptial chamber

while jaw was a burden on head
brain, unable to find somewhere to curl up
gave up making claws from feet

and heart sweated blood
to hold joys within

under normal dream circumstances

sleeping body withdrew at midnights
some called it Ego, 
subconscious whatever

burnt down the white flag of fears
swallows collected mud
a love to create everyday
only then with the past sorrows
came a prayer for rain

when you grab my screams 
as if that were something to be proud of
I’ll cry out
a warm smile will be left of the night
I’ll be ashamed
then reborn in your eyes

Poet: Levent Özbek, Ankara
Translator: Duygu Şenocak