Poems
Birds
by Kajal Ahmad
According to the latest classification, the Kurds
belong to the species of birds
that is why on the yellow and torn pages of history
they are nomads recognised by their caravans.
Yes, the Kurds are birds!
Even when there is no place left to contain their pain
they will turn to the illusion of travelling
between the warm country
and the cold country of their homeland.
That is why I don't find it strange
that the Kurds can fly.
They go to one country after another
and still don't become a civilised and consolidated dream!
They never find a nest
and even in their last landing
they would not visit Mewlana to ask after him
nor would they sacrifice themselves
for the dust in the gentle wind, like Nali.
The original version of this poem is written in Kurdish. The literal translation of this poem was made by Choman Hardi. The final translated version of the poem is by Mimi Khalvati.
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Another poem by Kajal Ahmad that we have helped to translate is The Letter.
You can find out more about the translation process on this website. You can also add your own comments on this poem here.
We have media featuring the poet Kajal Ahmad. Additionally there are details available about Translating cultures through poetry- Saudi Gazette , another one of our events that Kajal Ahmad was involved in.
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