| Hovannes Toumanian |
Hovannes Toumanian was born on the 19th of February 1869, in a little village in Armenia.He received his education in Tiflis, the cultural and political center of that era. He attended the Nersisian seminary but due to the death of his father, was forced to return to Armenia to care for his family. At the young age of nineteen, Toumanian was married and in due time fathered ten children. In 1890, Toumanian's first collection of poems were published. One of Toumanian's famous quotes was, "I always had the most important guide - my intuition." His creations had a common theme, that of attempting to emulate harmony. His four line verses were unique patterns of the heavenly power of the human mind. Toumanian created many fascinating fairy tales famous among which was "Kaj - Nazar." Well known poet Avetik Issahakian said of Toumanian, "His talent and role in the Armenian poetry, is like a mountain stream which gives travelers new powers and fresh breathe." Two of his works, "Anoush" and "Almast," were converted to operas, which are still showcased today. Once upon a time, who knows for sure What is guaranteed in this world of ours? There is only one thing that lasts for sure And that is, "There is nothing guaranteed in this world of ours." There was a man who was a peasant; A poor man indeed, barely from day to day surviving. This peasant happened to have a well-behaved son Who as a servant to someone he trusted. Years passed by and this well-behaved son Served his master so well and so honestly That he soon got a raise and was deserving; His master looked upon him just like his son. And one day the father remembered his son And he went over to visit his son. "How are you , my boy, I hope you’re no more naked and hungry any more!" "No, I’m just fine, Dad, I have a living now; But what can one do if it’s not going to stay the same?" And the father left and years passed by; The boy progressed as days passed by And he got promoted and to the palace assigned, Soon to become the servant of the almighty king. One day the father remembered his son And he went over to visit his son: "Tell me, how are you my son? What else do you want? You are already swimming in this abundant sea!" "That’s right. I am full, Dad. You go home in peace! But what can one do if it’s not going to stay the same?" And the father left and years passed by. Our clever boy got admired so much That the king made him second to him And all his kingdom to inherit! And one day the father remembered his son And he went over to visit his son: "Tell me, how are you my son? What else do you want? Everybody now lives by your own word and order!" "That’s right. I’m great, father. I’m already the boss. But what can one do if it’s not going to stay the same?" And the father left and years passed by. And the elderly king of this good country Fell down and died without leaving an heir behind. The whole world and treasures were left unclaimed behind. The top officials of the country got together. They met together and together they decided to get this clever boy And in glory announced him to be their king! And one day the peasant father heard That his son had become a king indeed! And he went over to visit his son: "Son, what else do you lack? You are the only one living in this whole world!" "Thank God, Dad. I own the crown and the throne! But what can one do if it’s not going to stay the same?" And the father left and years passed by. The newly appointed king residing on his throne Determined life and death issues, having the whole world within his rule, Regardless of the fact that he is also one day going To leave the whole living world to the world itself And become mortal and end his own soul. And one day the old father heard His son, the king, is no longer living! He could not believe it and went over to find out for himself! One can’t imagine the grief and the weeping! The whole world took part in military parades and buried the king In honor and festive and on their way back home they continued to gossip. Years passed by and the father for once Came to visit his son’s grave, Came to see his son’s marble tomb stone, And on it inscribed, "It’s not going to stay the same." And the father left. Years passed by. Who could ever demand an account….? From that day on and forever to come The saying goes on, "It’s not going to stay the same." The king’s beautiful statue stands no more. Ours is this world and so is this life. But neither is our world going to stay the same nor is our life. Under a green giant tree Our giant grandfathers and fathers alike, Our village masters Were sitting in a circle and playing alike. While we, the three classmates, Strong and energetic village children, We were standing in front of them Crying and screaming with all our might, Supposedly singing. When the happy melodies of our song ended The serious ring leader twisted his moustache And our elderly raised their glasses that were full , blessing us aloud, "Long live lovely kids, but don’t live like we did." Time passed by and our parents passed away; Our happy songs began to sound sad; Then I remembered those very days Why when blessing us, our parents had said, "Long live lovely kids, but don’t live like we did." Peace be unto you, our most unfortunate fathers. The pain that had tortured you, has struck us, too. On happy occasions and during sad times We too are repeating your very own words when blessing our children, "Long live lovely kids, but don’t live like we did." I do miss you O queen of my heart ! What would happen If for only once you appear Never mind if then again You will soon disappear, Just like a short dream of a night does. I need only to see Your picture once more Simply to tell you How much I miss you ! If one day, my dear friend,
You visit me at my grave, And you do find fresh flowers Newly planted around my grave, Don’t ever take them to be Regular flowers under your feet, Or that Spring has just brought them To decorate my new dwelling. Those are my songs that have never been sung, Carried away in my heart with me. Those were verses of love, Which I had no chance to recite before I died. Those were warm kisses sent down from a universe And whose roads were shut down by my very grave. |

Hovannes Toumanian was born on the 19th of February 1869, in a little village in Armenia.