'Last Will And Testament' by Nazim Hikmet


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Comrades, if I don't live to see the day
-- I mean,if I die before freedom comes --
take me away
and bury me in a village cemetery in Anatolia.

The worker Osman whom Hassan Bey ordered shot
can lie on one side of me, and on the other side
the martyr Aysha, who gave birth in the rye
and died inside of forty days.

Tractors and songs can pass below the cemetery --
in the dawn light, new people, the smell of burnt gasoline,
fields held in common, water in canals,
no drought or fear of the police.

Of course, we won't hear those songs:
the dead lie stretched out underground
and rot like black branches,
deaf, dumb, and blind under the earth.

But, I sang those songs
before they were written,
I smelled the burnt gasoline
before the blueprints for the tractors were drawn.

As for my neighbors,
the worker Osman and the martyr Aysha,
they felt the great longing while alive,
maybe without even knowing it.

Comrades, if I die before that day, I mean
-- and it's looking more and more likely --
bury me in a village cemetery in Anatolia,
and if there's one handy,
a plane tree could stand at my head,
I wouldn't need a stone or anything.

Moscow, Barviha Hospital


Trans. by Randy Blasing and Mutlu Konuk (1993)

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Last Will And Testament: A Masterpiece of Poetry

When it comes to the realm of poetry, there are few names that stand out quite like Nazim Hikmet. This Turkish poet, playwright, and novelist was a visionary in his field, using his words to paint pictures of a world that was both beautiful and tragic. One of his most famous works is "The Last Will and Testament," a poem that has resonated with readers for generations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the meaning and significance of this masterpiece of poetry.

A Brief Overview of "The Last Will and Testament"

"The Last Will and Testament" is a poem that was written by Nazim Hikmet in 1960. It is a poem that touches on themes of mortality, love, and the human condition. The poem is written in the form of a last will and testament, in which the speaker addresses his loved ones and his country. The speaker asks his loved ones to forgive him for any wrongs he may have committed and to remember him fondly. He also asks his country to remember him as a patriot and to continue the fight for justice and freedom.

The Significance of the Last Will and Testament

At its core, "The Last Will and Testament" is a poem about the human experience. It is a poem that speaks to the inevitability of death and the importance of love and forgiveness. The speaker is acutely aware of his mortality, and he is using this last will and testament as an opportunity to make peace with those he loves and with the world at large.

One of the most significant aspects of this poem is the way that it deals with the concept of forgiveness. The speaker is asking his loved ones to forgive him for any wrongs he may have committed, and he is doing so with an open heart and a willingness to be vulnerable. This speaks to the power of forgiveness and the importance of letting go of grudges and resentment in order to find peace and closure.

Another important theme in this poem is the concept of patriotism. The speaker is asking his country to remember him as a patriot and to continue the fight for justice and freedom. This highlights the way that patriotism can be a driving force for positive change in the world. It also speaks to the importance of standing up for what you believe in and fighting for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

The Poetic Devices Used in "The Last Will and Testament"

One of the reasons that "The Last Will and Testament" is such a powerful poem is the way that it employs a variety of poetic devices to convey its message. From imagery to metaphor, the poem is full of rich language that helps to bring the speaker's words to life.

One example of a poetic device used in this poem is metaphor. The speaker describes his love as a "bright sword" that can cut through darkness and despair. This metaphor helps to convey the power of love and the way that it can bring light and hope to even the darkest of situations.

Another example of a poetic device used in this poem is imagery. The speaker describes his body as a "broken cup," which helps to convey his frailty and his awareness of his own mortality. This imagery is both powerful and poignant, highlighting the way that the speaker is grappling with his own mortality and the inevitable end that awaits us all.

The Legacy of "The Last Will and Testament"

"The Last Will and Testament" is a poem that has had a significant impact on readers around the world. It is a poem that speaks to the human experience in a way that is both universal and deeply personal. It encourages us to think about our own mortality, to embrace forgiveness, and to fight for what we believe in.

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of this poem is the way that it speaks to the power of love. The speaker's love for his family and his country is a driving force behind the poem, and it is this love that ultimately helps him come to terms with his own mortality. It is a powerful reminder that love can be a force for good in the world, and that it is something that we should all strive to cultivate in our own lives.

Conclusion

"The Last Will and Testament" is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way. It is a poem that encourages us to think about our own mortality, to embrace forgiveness, and to fight for what we believe in. Through its use of poetic devices and its powerful message, this poem has had a lasting impact on readers around the world. It is a testament to the power of poetry, and to the enduring legacy of Nazim Hikmet as one of the greatest poets of our time.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Last Will And Testament: A Poem That Will Leave You Breathless

Nazim Hikmet, the Turkish poet, playwright, and novelist, is known for his powerful and thought-provoking works that have inspired generations of readers. One of his most famous poems, Last Will And Testament, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life, death, and the human condition. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing his loved ones, telling them that he has passed away and that they should not mourn his death. He tells them that he has lived a full life and that he is content with his accomplishments. The speaker then goes on to describe his final wishes, asking that his body be cremated and his ashes scattered in the wind. He also asks that his friends and family remember him fondly and continue to live their lives to the fullest.

The first theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of acceptance. The speaker has come to terms with his own mortality and is at peace with the fact that he will soon be gone. He does not want his loved ones to mourn his death but instead wants them to celebrate his life. This theme is reinforced throughout the poem, as the speaker reflects on his accomplishments and the experiences that have shaped him.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of legacy. The speaker wants to be remembered after he is gone, not for his material possessions or his wealth, but for the impact he has had on the lives of those around him. He wants his friends and family to continue to live their lives to the fullest, to pursue their dreams and passions, and to remember him as a source of inspiration.

The imagery in the poem is also powerful and evocative. The speaker describes his body being cremated and his ashes scattered in the wind, a metaphor for the impermanence of life. He also describes the world around him, the trees, the birds, and the sky, as if they are living beings with their own emotions and desires. This imagery adds depth and complexity to the poem, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.

The language in the poem is also worth noting. Hikmet's use of simple, direct language creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the speaker is speaking directly to the reader. The poem is also full of metaphors and similes, which add depth and complexity to the language. For example, the speaker describes his life as a "book with many pages," a metaphor that suggests that his life was full of experiences and adventures.

In conclusion, Last Will And Testament is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of acceptance, legacy, and impermanence. Hikmet's use of imagery and language creates a vivid and immersive experience for the reader, drawing them into the world of the speaker and his final wishes. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human condition and to inspire us to live our lives to the fullest.

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