I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed: <br />First, a light wind blowing <br />A soft wind swaying <br />The leaves in the trees, <br />And far off in the distance <br />The tinkling cups of the water-seller; <br />I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed. <br />I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed: <br />Now the birds are passing <br />In high clamoring flocks, <br />Nets are pulled in at the fisheries, <br />A woman's feet graze the water; <br />I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed. <br />I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed: <br />The cool covered bazaar, <br />Mahmutpasha, the courtyards <br />Filled with warbling pigeons, <br />Hammer sounds from the docks, <br />Smells of sweat in my lovely Spring wind; <br />I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed. <br />I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed: <br />An old world drunk in its head, <br />A waterfront palace with a dark boat shed, <br />The humming of the lodos ceases inside; <br />I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed. <br />I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed: <br />A pretty young girl walks by <br />Chased by taunts, come-ons and curses, <br />Something falls from my hand— <br />Surely a rose; <br />I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed. <br />I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed: <br />A bird is fluttering in your skirts, <br />Your brow is hot, I know, <br />Your lips are wet, I know, I know, <br />A white moon rises behind the pistachio trees— <br />I understand the pounding of your heart; <br />I listen to Istanbul, my eyes closed.<br /><br />Orhan Veli Kanik<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-listen-to-istanbul/
