Almas Ildyrym

1907 - 1952 / Baku, Azerbaijan

My Song

I am a lover, if my body burns in icy hell,
These fearful mountains cannot stand my inexhaustible mourning
If the angels present paradise to me
I would tell them:
I don't want paradise,
Give me my Caucasus!

Love for the Caucasus is worth more
Than this world filled with jewels,
If they say,
Forget about your country
and take 'The New World'*
I would tell them,
Give me my love,
Give me my rights,
Give me my land,
Let the whole world hear my voice,
Which cannot be stiffled.

Translated from Azeri into English by Aytan Aliyeva and edited by Betty Blair.
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