I’m on a Long and Narrow Road

by Aşık Veysel (Turkish original - Sivas, Turkey)by David Selim Sayers and Evrim Emir-Sayers (English translation - Paris, France)

THIS translation is of the poem “Uzun İnce Bir Yoldayım” by the Alevi folk poet and bard Aşık Veysel (1894-1973).1 You can hear it performed by Aşık Veysel himself at this link.

I’m on a long and narrow roadDay and night, I wander onWhat state I’m in, I do not knowDay and night, I wander on

From when into this world I cameI started walking all the sameBut two doors has this inn, for shameDay and night, I wander on

Asleep or not, I’m on my wayI look for grounds on which to stayWhile watching others walk awayDay and night, I wander on

Forty-nine years on this roadValleys, peaks, and deserts flowedIn foreign lands I seek abodeDay and night, I wander on

If you take the time to thinkIt seems so far your heart may sinkBut you’ll arrive before you blinkDay and night, I wander on

Veysel marvels at this stateAfter laughter, tears awaitMy only goal, to meet my fateDay and night, I wander on

Also by Aşık Veysel:

Dark Earth

Let My Friends Remember Me

The One Who Sees This World Is You

---

1. The word aşık (Arabic for “lover”) denotes a wandering bard inspired by mystical love.↑