KALANDADZE, Ana

Sun of the Dead

On the border, border of two countries I stand,

Oh, my heart, why are you closing?

I am the flickering, dimming sun of the dead,

In my rays, the sparrows are rejoicing…

Violet, Persian Violet seeds have melted,

Like steam goes on the humid breathing of the earth;

In the music of the creak the corncrake rested…

Hearing sparrows’ cheep-a-chirping, feeling mirth…

I can hear the grass is breathing as it grows,

And yet… why is my heart still closing on me?

Dry seeds left over on the branches of the rose,

The sparrows peck them up and then the sparrows flee…

On the border, border of two countries I stand,

Oh, my heart, why are you closing?

I am the flickering, dimming sun of the dead,

In my rays, the sparrows are rejoicing

You Are So Deep, Georgian sky

You are so deep, Georgian sky,

You are so very deep…

No enemies who breached your borders

Found sanctuary on your land:

Neither Persian nor Mongol

Nor Ottoman

To your glorious tribute

Praise Zarzma ¹

and Oshki ²

And ancient Tao…

You are so deep, so very delicate,

My Georgian sky…,

That I want to sing and cry under you.

What have you seen, what are you hiding,
You are so deep, Georgian sky

Within your blue depths so true

1 Zarzma Monastery

2 Oshki monastery