Gazing Into the Boundless

1

A tiny puddle is a mirror!

and the one gently peering in

is the dandelion.

A flower gazes at its own reflection

in the tear-drops of the clouds.

2

Like an old man,

the cherry tree is bent with age…

Yet youth blooms in every branch.

The only thing my soul needs

is a walking stick.

3

A bud is joy,

a flower is flame.

It came into this world

to burn.

4

The wind ploughs through the flowerbed;

one flower falls beneath another…

A flowerpot under a flowerpot—

my perplexity is faster than a racehorse.

5

If destiny allows,

I would build a minaret—

as grand as a pharaoh’s pyramid—

out of a single poem.

I would plant flowers

all around it.

Then I would climb it gently

and gaze upon the world and its people.

I would ask applause for my poems

from whoever has read them—

if anyone has.

6

I cherish poetry deeply,

even though it wounds my heart.

Wandering through astonishing flower gardens,

I place poetry

as a crown upon my head.

Let people send me their love

and call me king—

I no longer mind.

### 

Silence is comforting;

it buries the cries and sounds

of sorrow.

The morning sun is magnificent:

the flowers can hear

the sound of its light.

These mountains stand proud;

they pay no mind

to those who pass beneath them.

The sky is a vast embrace—

wide enough to hold

every glance.

The poet is the guide of my soul;

from the light of faith

my feelings begin to bloom.

(Translated by Azam Abidov)

Nurbek Norchayev was born on April 18, 1993, in Kosan District of Kashkadarya Region. He is currently a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Pedagogy, Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute.