آب را گل نکنیم: Let us not Muddy the Water by Sohrab Sepehri
As many of you know, I am studying Creative Writing at the University of Arizona and, in a nod to my heritage, I am learning Persian as a second language. This is my third semester learning Persian and, as part of the department’s end-of-year Persian showcase, my professor invited me to both translate a contemporary Iranian poem into English and learn the original poem in Persian. I then read my translation of the poem, followed by a recitation of the poem in Persian.
The showcase was a great success and I very much enjoyed reading both in English and in Persian. Because of how timeless the poem is and how poignant its message is even today, I hope you will enjoy this English translation of Sohrab Sepehri’s poem آب را گل نکنیم, or Let us not Muddy the Water.
Let us not Muddy the Water by Sohrab Sepehri
Let us not muddy the water
Downstream a pigeon is drinking water
In a faraway field, a goldfinch is washing her feathers
In the village downstream, a jar is filling.
Let us not muddy the water
This water flows to the foot of a poplar tree and
Washes sorrow from a grieving heart
The dervish dips dry bread in water.
A beautiful woman comes to the riverbank
Let us not muddy the water
Reflected in water, her beauty doubles.
What pleasant water!
How clear this river!
At the head of the river, the people are pure
May their springs be ever flowing
May their harvests be abundant.
I have yet to see their village
At the foot of their hedges is the footprint of God
There, moonlight illuminates the words of the people.
In the village upstream, the clay walls are short
The people know the poppy
Undoubtedly blue is blue.
A bud blooms. The people know
Oh, what a village!
May its garden alleys forever fill with music!
The people at the head of the river understand the water
They have not muddied it
Let us also keep the water clear.
About the Author
Sohrab Sepehri was born in Kashan, Iran in 1928. He is considered to be one of the most famous contemporary Iranian poets and is known for his style of using shorter sentences instead of the longer sentences found in traditional Persian poetry. The beauty of his poetry is seen through his evocation of nature and his use of tender, simple language, as well as his concern for humanity.
Photo by Deleece Cook
Roksana Amelia
I got emotional reading the poem ….
Beautiful ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Jane Pryce
A beautiful, emotional poem
Layla Todd
Thank you!
The Amethyst Lamb
Lovely! I had never heard of this poet before. Thanks for sharing!
Annabel
Simply beautiful and divine to read, Layla! Happy to know you are studying Persian. Two friends of mine happen to specialise in Persian literature😄. It’s a difficult language to master and you are doing so well!
Layla Todd
Thank you deeply, Annabel! ❤️
Enoble Asuquo
It’s a beautiful poem, thanks for sharing ❤️
Layla Todd
Thank you for reading!
Enoble Asuquo
You are most welcome
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
How wonderful that you are learning Persian and took part in this poetry recital; it’s a lovely poem with a very relevant and emotional core. Thanks for sharing it here!
D. Wallace Peach
What a wonderful project, Layla. It combines your love of writing, poetry, and language. I would love to hear you read it in Persian and English (hint hint). lol. The poem is timeless indeed and what a beautiful request of those who live all along the literal and metaphorical rivers. <3
Layla Todd
Thank you, Diana! Your hint is certainly noted. 🥰
Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.com
Layla, beautiful translation and honoring of your heritage 💗
Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.com
This poem is incredible. It reveals the connectedness and says so much more with this blessing that I feel in my heart. Let us remember our connectedness. 💗
Layla Todd
Thank you so much, Ka! 🥰
rothpoetry
This is a wonderful post. What you have done here is magnificent, Layla.
I loved these lines…. Reflected in water, her beauty doubles.
…At the foot of their hedges is the footprint of God…
Layla Todd
Thank you, Dwight! Love that you share your favorite lines. 🥰
Karima Hoisan
My respects Layla for learning Persian and now translating in it too. This poem took my breath away. It reminds me of Rumi and its message is so beautiful. Persian is still out of my reach:) but /I do speak Arabic and so I can say Alf Mabrook for your beautiful work!
Layla Todd
Aww, thank you so very much, Karima! I am loving my language journey so far. 🥰
Karima Hoisan
I learned Arabic in my 50’s!! If you love it you will learn it and enjoy doing it too. I wish you the very best along your journey 🙏
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
First of all my deep and very best compliments for your studying Persian!
Learning languages with a different writing was one of my dreams:
And then THANK You so much for sharing your beautiful knowledge!
Layla Todd
Thank you deeply, Claudia! 🥰
Baydreamer - Lauren Scott
This poem is beautiful and timeless, Layla! Thank you for the translation, and your accomplishments are so impressive. 🩷🩷
Layla Todd
Thank you for stopping by, Lauren! 🥰
Dawn Pisturino
This is beautiful, Layla, and I’m so impressed by your translation!
Layla Todd
Thank you, Dawn! 🥰
Kym Gordon Moore
Oh Layla, how awesome. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Continued learning, especially within the fabric of our heritage is a win-win my friend. Love it! 😍💖😘
Layla Todd
Thank you so much for this lovely comment, Kym! 🥰
Kym Gordon Moore
Oh my dear Layla, you are so very welcome. My pleasure as always! 😘💖🥰
Ingrid
I really enjoyed this beautiful translation, Layla – thank you for sharing 🙏
Layla Todd
Thank you for reading, Ingrid!
eob2
There are many wonderful Persian poets. Thank you for sharing this one and the beautiful simplicity of it, with a deeper meaning Farsi like English is not easy to learn. 💙
Layla Todd
Thank you so much! I definitely tried to convey the richness of the poem across languages. 🥰
eob2
You’re most welcome. I’ll be looking forward to more of your translations.
Pooja G
This was such an incredible poem, thank you for sharing it with us. And wow, learning Persian is amazing. My mum knows a little because she grew up with Persian neighbours.
Layla Todd
Thank you, Pooja! My language journey thus far has been a good one. 🥰
Pooja G
That’s great and you’re so welcome!
barbaraleaver
Thank you for sharing!
Belladonna
This is so beautiful!
Layla Todd
Thank you, Bella! 🥰
Lucesysombrasopinion
bonito poema!!
theusedlife
Beautiful poem! I imagine translating and reciting it was a rewarding experience.
Layla Todd
Thank you for reading! 🥰
Michele Lee
A gorgeous poem, emotional too. Thank you so much for translating and sharing with us and for updating us on your studies. 🙏🏻 Best wishes to you! Enjoy your break. 🌄
Layla Todd
Thank you, Michele! I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving as well. 🥰
Michele Lee
Welcome, Layla. I spent most of it practicing my fundraising routines. 😊🙏🏻