You rightly say I’ve stayed so long in exile in this well, the sun, never returning! I still have a yearning within me for light. I love… Read more “Ilhan’s response to John Macker”
Category: Poems by Ilhan
Poems in English translation by Ilhan Çomak. Translated by various poetry translators.
Ilhan’s response to Blas Falconer (1)
I have a need for levity for balloons that quiver and expand, that take from me the heavy burden of life; of time. Like the line of… Read more “Ilhan’s response to Blas Falconer (1)”
Ilhan’s response to Jeffrey Cyphers Wright
Before looking to that clean corner of shade and budding lilac I washed my face and hands with copious water. Now, so refreshed. Resolute as a drop… Read more “Ilhan’s response to Jeffrey Cyphers Wright”
Ilhan’s response to Lee Herrick
We had a celebrated pasture, that stroked my child’s head with tenderness. We called it ‘Tapë Kozikan’ in Kurdish: Peak of Trenches. It took its name with… Read more “Ilhan’s response to Lee Herrick”
Ilhan’s reponse to John Casquarelli
I place my notebook before me, and life expands exponentially! But I long for the forests: geometry of green Want the other side of light and dark;… Read more “Ilhan’s reponse to John Casquarelli”
What Good Is Reading Poetry?
It’s good for making hands fine enough to touch silk And for feeling the moment that stone turns impatient It’s good for looking in the eyes… Read more “What Good Is Reading Poetry?”
I Give Praise to Flight
for Menna Elfyn, in response to her poem The Piper I give praise to the embraces of women that reach right into my cell I give praise… Read more “I Give Praise to Flight”
Excerpt from ‘The Wings of the Sea’
My child, we use the wings of the sea when delaying rains. When the skies cave into my eyes it’s because I worship blue. My fear is… Read more “Excerpt from ‘The Wings of the Sea’”
Excerpt from ‘I have my reservations’
Oh you suns! I have grown lighter by abundance. I know, of course, that distances have been memorized by way of my brilliant white feathers. Sidelong glances… Read more “Excerpt from ‘I have my reservations’”
Excerpt from ‘Let us not speak’
As the whole city sleeps Let us speak little In a corner the light can’t reach. There is belief between us and the dryness of a thirsting… Read more “Excerpt from ‘Let us not speak’”
Free the Poet Ilhan Çomak 