Turkish - Greek Poem

You become aware when you feel homesickThat you are brothers with the Greek;Just look at a child of IstanbulListening to a Greek epic.

We've sworn at each otherIn the free manner of our language.We've drawn knife on bloodYet a love lies hidden in usFor days of peace like these.

What if in our veinsIt were the same blood that flows?From the same air in our heartsA crazy wind blows.

So generous like this rainAnd warm like the sun.The armfuls of goodness of springThat surge from within.

Our hostility is like a drinkDistilled from the fruit of the climateAs harmful and as tasteful as any drink.From this water from this taste have we sinned.

A blue magic between usAnd this warm seaAnd two peoples on its shoresEquals in beauty.

The golden age of the AegeanWill revive through usAs with the fire of the futureThe hearth of the past comes alive.

First a merry laughter comes to your earThen some Turkish with a Greek accent.Nostalgic about the BosporusAnd you remember the Raki*.

It is when you are homesickThat you recall you are brothers with the Greek.

London 1947