Seepan Shiraz
To Armenia, The Motherland

Written by Seepan Shiraz
Translated by Daniel Janoyan
Glendale, CA, July 20, 1987

Countless ships in life you possess
And also boats you own.
Sleepless and countless letters you posses
And also children you own.

Never heard songs you possess
And also infinite melodies you own.
Immense wounds you posses
And also a small home you own.

However, I am a firm believer
Of your name's YAN* affix
And I am never to exchange
Your one drop of blood indeed.

During countless peddler
Your only one caravan has become a father today,
Yet, there are many centuries
Awaiting you and that are full of rocks and grief.

Sons of your own you possess
And also boats you own
But alas you still posses
Alphabets no longer written nor also read at all.

* YAN or IAN is an affix found at the end of most Armenian last names.
 
Armenian Poetry