1908

• Gabdulla Tukay The Reply

  Pushkin and Lermontov, two poets, two stars… The third one is Tukai, he comes from the Tatars. The venom you just drank exacerbates the pain, Dreams of fortune and fame drive you insane. The sea is...

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• Gabdulla Tukay It Must Be Him

  He’s the king of gossip, knows every tale. Recently he bought a suit on sale. A dandy, indeed, welcome everywhere, Of his dancing prowess he’s quite aware. No question, he knows how to snoop In the p...

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• Gabdulla Tukay So Let Her Laugh 

  “Stop tormenting yourself: this girl is not for thee She loves thee not, it is not meant to be.” “Indeed, she makes a fool of me, I know,   So what… Her teeth are white as snow. That pearly smile of...

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• Gabdulla Tukay Advice 

  My dear friend, please listen to my advice: Conceal your secrets, or you’ll pay a price. Your tears, grief and laughter you should hide. Your soul’s a treasure box, your greatest source of pride. Ho...

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• Gabdulla Tukay It’s a holiday!

  The world is joyful and merry today, People have gathered for their holiday. Everybody here is jubilant and gay, A young man strums the saz – it’s a holiday! The sun in the sky wears its festive atti...

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• Gabdulla Tukay Betrayed

  I had enough of mockery to crack my heart, We were together but now it is time to part. Not to the Quran’s ayats you chose to adhere, You deceived me with sweet nothings, now it is clear. My passion...

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• Gabdulla Tukay Truth and Lies

  There was nothing but water ages ago. Truth and Lies swam together - two bitter foes. Almighty Tengri sent them just one boat, But they were eager to cut each other’s throat. It didn’t take long bef...

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• Gabdulla Tukay Your Hand

  Your hand makes happy me, I’m your slave, Your magic touch is a caressing wave, It shines like gold fish in a summer pond. An angel’s hand and yours in a friendly bond, My wounded soul it will help t...

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• Gabdulla Tukay A Girl with Ugly Teeth 

  “I am constantly surrounded by guys. Each of them is trying to be nice…” Poor thing, she was completely at a loss, She had no clue how these lads to toss. No question, they were flattering her pride,...

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• Gabdulla Tukay If Not For…

  So cold’s the finest art without a flaming heart. The rose in bloom is pale without a nightingale. The poet extols your image in disguise, You trust the mirror – your reflection lies. There are so m...

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• Gabdulla Tukay To… ("He met you somewhere on his way...")

  He met you somewhere on his way, The joyful lad got carried away: “Quran praises you as the best of the best? There’s no one like you in the East or West.” Amazed that the Holy Book has been mention...

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• Gabdulla Tukay Impression

  When I’ve these downfalls in life, When my pain is sharper than a knife, I begin to read the magic surahs of Quran. They send my grief and sorrow on the run. All doubt leaves my heart and I cry, Tea...

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• Gabdulla Tukay Love Is Strange

  It is a summer day, it is extremely hot. A man is sweating, so he takes a pot, Fills it with water, ready to cool off. He suddenly begins to tremble and to cough. Already naked, he starts having dou...

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• Gabdulla Tukay Hope

  My sleepy consciousness, you had enough of dreams, You, clouds, go away, chased out by the sunbeams. Blind and confused, I’m desperate and tired, O, pull me out of darkness – where’s my guide? I’m so...

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• Gabdulla Tukay To Your Portrait

  I look and worship these dark brows and eyes, Praised be the artist who drew her so nice. He ordered the sun to pour gold on her hair, No other beauty to her can compare. Forgive me, dear sun, for yo...

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