A Voice from Africa in Turkish

“In Africa”, a poem by Emeghara Collins © March 4, 2019 ~ Translation into Turkish by hülya n. yılmaz © March 6, 2019

In Africa

Like
the ants…

We’re the restless
people of the world…

People in
endless torment…

And must sing
praises in shame…

If any man
from Africa…

Should
go to hell…

That’ll mean
a cheat o Lord…

For in Africa
we live in hell…

We live in
hell o man…

For with our hands
we bury our children…

With our eyes
we see our own death…

Mr preacher, preach
about hell no more…

For in Africa
we’re already in hell…

We live in
hell o man…

Our belly the mirror
of our economy…

Our lives, used to
kola the terrorists…

In Africa
we live in hell…

We live in
hell o man…

How do I manage
these tears in my eyes?

How do I convince
myself, it was all a lie?

Polling units an alter
we must offer our blood…

Go back and
tell God o preacher…

That in Africa
we’re already in hell…

Oh, we live
in hell o man…

Look at those
singing in shame…

Watch their shoes,
longing for summer…

Behind
their eyes…

Lay huge lump
of frustration…

You ask of truth
here is the truth…

In my Africa
we live in hell…

We live in
hell o man…

For mothers watch
as their child is buried…

Yet, we blow
trumpets in shame…

Instead of standing
naked in our holy places…

To seek the
face of God…

For a naked man has
no pocket to put his hands…

Yes
It’s true…

All copyrights@reserved
Emeghara Collins
March 4th
2019.

“Afrika’da”

Karıncalar gibi . . .

Biz dünyanın kıpır kıpır

Insanlarıyız . . .

Bitmez acılar içindeki

Insanları . . .

Ve utanç içinde

Övgüler söylemeye mecburuz . . .

Eğer ki, Afrikadan herhangi bir ınsan

Cehenneme giderse . . .

Bu bir aldatmaca olur,

Tanrım . . .

Zira biz cehennemde

Yaşıyoruz, a be dostum . . .

Biz cehennemde yaşıyoruz . . .

Çünkü kendi ellerimizle

Çocuklarımızı toprağa veriyoruz . . .

Kendi gözlerimizle

Kendi ölümümüzü izliyoruz . . .

Sayın vaiz, cehennem üzerine

Vaazlar verme artık . . .

Zira Afrika’da

Biz zaten cehennemdeyiz . . .

Biz cehennemdeyiz, a be dostum . . .

Karınlarımız

Ekonomimizin aynası . . .

Hayatlarımız

Teröristlere yatak . . .

Afrika’da biz

Cehennemde yaşıyoruz . . .

Biz cehennemde yaşıyoruz, a be dostum . . .

Gözlerimdeki bu yaşların

Nasıl mı geliyorum üstesinden . . .

Nasıl mı inandırıyorum kendimi

Her şeyin bir yalan olduğuna . . .

Oy sandıkları birer adak taşı

Kanımızı ikram etmeye mecburuz . . .

Dön, geldiğin yere geri git ve Tanrıya söyle,

Sayın vaiz . . .

Afrika’da zaten cehennemde olduğumuzu . . .

Amanlar olsun ki,

Biz cehennemde yaşıyoruz, a be dostum . . .

Baksana, şu utanç içinde övgü şarkıları söyleyenlere . . .

Ayaklarındakine bir baksana,

Nasıl da bir yaz mevsiminin özlemi içindeler . . .

Gözlerinde

Buğu buğu bir hüsran . . .

Gerçeği merak ediyorsun ya hani,

Işte gerçek . . .

Benim Afrikamda

Biz cehennemde yaşıyoruz . . .

Biz cehennemde yaşıyoruz, a be dostum . . .

Çünkü annelerin gözü önünde

Yavruları gömülüyor . . .

Ama biz ne yapıyoruz,

Borazanlarımızı çalıyoruz utanç içinde . . .

Kutsal yerlerimizde çırılçıplak

Ayakta kalıp Tanrının yüzünü aramak üzere . . .

Çünkü çıplak bir insanın

Ellerini koyacağı bir cebi olmaz hiç . . .

Evet,

Doğru,

Gerçek işte bu . . .

 

6 Comments

Filed under Poetry, Reflections

6 responses to “A Voice from Africa in Turkish

  1. I too have read his incredible poetry, so please extend my apologies for the typo. Though being a her is equal to being a him, one must be correct in the proper application of either. Once again I apologize to Mr.Collins for the typo error reference.

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  2. This is indeed a fine poem from that notable Nigerian writer Emeghara Collins. I truly appreciate her style of short sentences, that so emphasize each word with the power that depicts the pain and destitution, of the people for which she cries out. Her economy of words will always be my preferred effective approach to poetic expression. I find it encourages poetry readers, especially the newer ones to develop a deeper appreciation for that rewarding art form. Thank you so for posting this important message.

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    • Dear Jean-Jacques, I have informed the poet about this upcoming post here. Of course, after his approval, I have decided to share his ‘notable’ poem on my social media platforms, but especially at this location. I am certain that he would be most pleased to read your insightful commentary on his work. Emeghara Collins writes incredible poetry. I feel highly privileged to have met him on FaceBook. Now, I am aware of his poetic talent as well as his humanitarian commitments. Thank you for hearing me yet once again, dear friend.

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      • Emeghara Collins

        Mr Jean Jacques reading your inspirational comment bowled my heart away… I’m sincerely double delighted… God bless you every single day.

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      • Emeghara Collins

        I’m most pleased to have crossed your path Hulya N. Yilmaz. My sincere prayers for you every single day.

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    • Emeghara Collins

      Your words are deeply inspiring Sir… You made my day with these beautiful comment. Thank you sincerely.

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Your readership is appreciated.