Selected Poetry / Избранное (англ.). Gabdullah Tukai

      I feel your heartbeat in my soul; you never died,

      Your warmth and grace the two of us have tied,

      And if you die, death is my only choice,

      But while I breathe, I’ll hear your gentle voice.

      You’re in my mind, yes, you are in my heart,

      Not even death can break us two apart.

      My love for you will never be surpassed,

      And memories of it until my deathbed last.

      You occupy my thoughts both day and night,

      Your health is mine; your plight, it is my plight.

      For me more sacred than anything on earth,

      Nothing could compare with my nation’s worth.

      With boundless joy to you I will belong,

      To you I’ll consecrate my poet’s song.

      I don’t know why these words should ring so true,

      I yearn to be the people’s poet, borne of you.

      The nation’s dream above all dreams must soar

      In my own mind, it maddens and it roars…

      Oh Tengri, I will be her poet… loyal, whole –

      That is the greatest aspiration of my soul!

      Oh heavens, take my life, not my renown.

      To be forgotten? Better yet to drown.

      I will die; let forever live the glory of my name,

      All my deeds and struggles will bring me eternal fame.

      For when I die, death will not steal my name,

      My deeds and efforts should enjoy eternal fame.

      To be remembered by my people is my goal

      I’ve written of my love, befriend me in your soul!

      In heaven, if I chance upon your face

      In it, I’ll see my own reflection’s trace.