I AM A POET, MY THOUGHTS ARE FREE
Translated by Walter G. Andrews

I expect no gifts from any, nor beg for wing or feather
In my own sky, in my own heavens, on my own I soar
To bow beneath slavery's collar weighs heavy on my neck
I'm a poet, my thoughts are free, wisdom free, conscience free


Source: An Anthology of Turkish Literature, edited by Kemal Silay.
        Indiana University Turkish Studies & Turkish Ministry of Culture
        Joint Series, XV. (1996)