A lament I wrote to give voice to an 87-year-old Cypriot mother whose son went off to war and never returned. For four decades, she has heard nothing of him because he has been missing. This piece expresses the hidden anguish she has endured behind closed doors — her cries, her defiance, and her grief.
Lyrics
Cypriot Turkish verse translation:
Didn’t we used to play marbles together on the street? Stavros, Mehmet, Hasan...
There’s a deep ache in my heart.
Quiet the sounds. Lower your gun.
Is there really any victor or vanquished in this?
I’m exhausted; enough. Just find my child!
Cypriot Greek verse translation:
I'm losing my mind.
Someone, please, tell me where my child is.
He was supposed to be home before nine.
I won’t stop waiting, won’t stop hoping.
I don’t want anything else.
Just tell me where my child is.
I'm losing my mind.
Just tell me where my child is.
He said, “Mama don’t worry, I will be fine.”
But he would be home before nine.
It’s been days and nights and months!
I’m still waiting for him to come.
I’m losing my mind.
Are you there? Calling me?
I hear your voice.
Somebody, tell me where my baby is.
I won’t stop waiting.
Just tell me, where is he?