The philosphy of a fruit seller
by Kajal Ahmad
My friend! You were like an apricot
The moment I wanted to taste you
I threw away your crux and inside.
***
My old mate you are sometimes
a tangerine!
You spontaneously undress.
and sometimes you are like an apple
without your skin
and with it you are edible.
***
Neighbour!
You are like a fruit knife
There is no time
when you are not
on our dinner table
but you must forgive me
I don’t like you.
***
My dear homeland! You are a lemon
When you are named
the world’s mouth waters
but I get all goosepimply.
***
You, stranger!
I am sure you are a watermelon
unless I go threw you like a knife
I wouldn’t know what you are really like.
The literal translation of this poem was made by Choman Hardi
The final translated version of the poem is by Mimi Khalvati
© Poetry Translation Centre 2004-2012
aram says:
very good