OUR DESIRE

    By Raphael Badganian   (1830-1892)
    Translated By Kevork Kalayjian


    Oh, how I would love to see Armenians
    Free, safe, educated, and self-sufficient
    Every Armenian's home, paradise on earth should be... 
    But this shouldn't require a sacrifice from me.

    Oh, how I would loved for Armenia to be
    Freed from the hands of the enemy,
    Armenian rulers governing the Armenian country...
    As long as this aim doesn't cost me a penny.

    Oh, how I wish for all Armenian to be
    Rekindled with the love of science, and discovery
    For once and for all eliminate illiteracy
    Only if, no commitment is required of me.

    Oh, how I wish to see, Armenian teens,
    Heading to colleges and universities
    Women... traveling to Switzerland for higher education;
    As long as, no body expects a penny from me.

    Oh, how I wished that our brave freedom fighters
    Were equipped with all the advanced weaponry,
    To defend the homeland against the enemy... but
    To buy those arms, they shouldn't ask for my money!

    Finally, when our country is miraculously freed
    Our people are independent, and self-sufficient
    Oh, how wonderful and benevolent it would prove to be
    For all Armenians, as their ruler... to elect me!


--
Kevork K. Kalayjian, Jr.  is a graduate of the AGBU's Melkonian
Educational Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus, and holds a B.A. in Political
Science and Economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford,
NJ, a M. Ed. in Counseling Psychology, from WilliamPaterson University,
Wayne, NJ, and CPA requirements completed at Pace University, NYC.
Kevork resides in NY and likes to paint and write. Some of his poems
have been published in literary periodicals such as "Ararat" and at
www.poetry.com.




Redistribution of  Groong articles, such as this one, to any  other
media, including but not limited to  other mailing lists and Usenet
bulletin  boards,  is strictly  prohibited  without  prior  written
consent from

Groong's Administrator.


© Copyright 2014 Armenian News Network/Groong. All Rights Reserved.