curtains

CURTAINS

Curtains, curtains all they are...
Here and everywhere they are.
In the windows, at the door,
In passages and vaults they are...
Curtains, curtains all they are...

And what about the things I love,
Now where are they, now where are they?
Before the curtain it's so empty;
All inside, inside are they!
Curtains, curtains all they are...

The original curtain's in the heart;
Pierced through only by which gaze?
Beneath the mask of outward form,
Cities lie beneath the haze.
Curtains, curtains all they are...

Toward the curtain onward rushing;
Horsed they are, on foot they are.
Roads, directions aimless wander;
Expressions elsewise put they are.
Curtains, curtains all they are...

A seed it wears a thousand shirts.
Seedlings all dressed up they are.
Hearts amazed are stricken dumb;
Bellies crying out they are.
Curtains, curtains all they are...

The final point, the final curtain;
Ringed with rugs for prayer they are.
Over there you see, you see,
Free, set free from death they are!
Curtains, curtains all they are...

Necip Fazıl Kısakürek