☰ Analysis, Explanation, Interpretation
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'Things I Didn't Know I Loved'
by Nazim Hikmet
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it's 1962 March 28th
I'm sitting by the window on the Prague-Berlin train
night is falling
I never knew I liked
night descending like a tired bird on a smoky wet plain
I don't like
comparing nightfall to a tired bird
I didn't know I loved the earth
can someone who hasn't worked the earth love it
I've never worked the earth
it must be my only Platonic love
and here I've loved rivers all this time
whether motionless like this they curl skirting the hills
European hills crowned with chateaus
or whether stretched out flat as far as the eye can see
I know you can't wash in the same river even once
I know the river will bring new lights you'll never see
I know we live slightly longer than a horse but not nearly as
long as a crow
I know this has troubled people before
and will trouble those after me
I know all this has been said a thousand times before
and will be said after me
I didn't know I loved the sky
cloudy or clear
the blue vault Andrei studied on his back at Borodino
in prison I translated both volumes of War and Peace into
Turkish
I hear voices
not from the blue vault but from the yard
the guards are beating someone again

☰
Kubla Khan byAnalysis,
Samuel Taylor
Coleridge analysis
Explanation, Interpretation
Nothing Gold Can Stay by
Fire And Ice by Robert Frost
analysis
The Road Not Taken by Robert
Frost analysis
Dover Beach by Matthew
Arnold analysis
Death is the supple Suitor by
Emily Dickinson analysis
Acquainted With The Night by
Robert Frost analysis
My Last Duchess by Robert
Browning analysis
Mending Wall by Robert Frost
analysis
Song Of Myself by Walt
Whitman analysis
Death Be Not Proud by John
Donne analysis
I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud
by William Wordsworth
analysis
The White Man's Burden by
Rudyard Kipling analysis
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
The Tyger by William Blake
analysis
The Cask Of Amontillado by
Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Composed Upon Westminster
Bridge by William Wordsworth
analysis
the guards are beating someone again
I didn't know I loved trees
bare beeches near Moscow in Peredelkino
they come upon me in winter noble and modest
beeches are Russian the way poplars are Turkish
"the poplars of Izmir
losing their leaves. . .
they call me The Knife. . .
lover like a young tree. . .
I blow stately mansions sky-high"
in the Ilgaz woods in 1920 I tied an embroidered linen
handkerchief
to a pine bough for luck
I never knew I loved roads
even the asphalt kind
Vera's behind the wheel we're driving from Moscow to the
Crimea
Koktebele
formerly "Goktep� ili" in Turkish
the two of us inside a closed box
the world flows past on both sides distant and mute
I was never so close to anyone in my life
bandits stopped me on the red road between Bolu and
Gered�
when I was eighteen
apart from my life I didn't have anything in the wagon they
could take
and at eighteen our lives are what we value least
I've written this somewhere before
wading through a dark muddy street I'm going to the
shadow play
Ramazan night
a paper lantern leading the way
maybe nothing like this ever happened
maybe I read it somewhere an eight-year-old boy
going to the shadow play
Ramazan night in Istanbul holding his grandfather's hand
his grandfather has on a fez and is wearing the fur coat
with a sable collar over his robe
and there's a lantern in the servant's hand
and I can't contain myself for joy
flowers come to mind for some reason
poppies cactuses jonquils
in the jonquil garden in Kadikoy Istanbul I kissed Marika
fresh almonds on her breath
I was seventeen
my heart on a swing touched the sky
I didn't know I loved flowers
friends sent me three red carnations in prison
I just remembered the stars

I love them too
☰
Kubla Khan byAnalysis,
Samuel Taylor
Coleridge analysis
Explanation,whether
Nothing Gold Can Stay by
Fire And Ice by Robert Frost
analysis
The Road Not Taken by Robert
Frost analysis
Dover Beach by Matthew
Arnold analysis
Death is the supple Suitor by
Emily Dickinson analysis
Acquainted With The Night by
Robert Frost analysis
My Last Duchess by Robert
Browning analysis
Mending Wall by Robert Frost
analysis
Song Of Myself by Walt
Whitman analysis
Death Be Not Proud by John
Donne analysis
I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud
by William Wordsworth
analysis
The White Man's Burden by
Rudyard Kipling analysis
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
The Tyger by William Blake
analysis
The Cask Of Amontillado by
Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Composed Upon Westminster
Bridge by William Wordsworth
analysis
I just remembered the stars
Interpretation
I'm floored watching them from below
or whether I'm flying at their side
I have some questions for the cosmonauts
were the stars much bigger
did they look like huge jewels on black velvet
or apricots on orange
did you feel proud to get closer to the stars
I saw color photos of the cosmos in Ogonek magazine now
don't
be upset comrades but nonfigurative shall we say or
abstract
well some of them looked just like such paintings which is
to
say they were terribly figurative and concrete
my heart was in my mouth looking at them
they are our endless desire to grasp things
seeing them I could even think of death and not feel at all
sad
I never knew I loved the cosmos
snow flashes in front of my eyes
both heavy wet steady snow and the dry whirling kind
I didn't know I liked snow
I never knew I loved the sun
even when setting cherry-red as now
in Istanbul too it sometimes sets in postcard colors
but you aren't about to paint it that way
I didn't know I loved the sea
except the Sea of Azov
or how much
I didn't know I loved clouds
whether I'm under or up above them
whether they look like giants or shaggy white beasts
moonlight the falsest the most languid the most petit-
bourgeois
strikes me
I like it
I didn't know I liked rain
whether it falls like a fine net or splatters against the glass
my
heart leaves me tangled up in a net or trapped inside a drop
and takes off for uncharted countries I didn't know I loved
rain but why did I suddenly discover all these passions
sitting
by the window on the Prague-Berlin train

is it because I lit my sixth cigarette
☰
Kubla Khan byAnalysis,
Samuel Taylor
Coleridge analysis
Explanation,one
Nothing Gold Can Stay by
Fire And Ice by Robert Frost
analysis
The Road Not Taken by Robert
Frost analysis
Dover Beach by Matthew
Arnold analysis
Death is the supple Suitor by
Emily Dickinson analysis
Acquainted With The Night by
Robert Frost analysis
My Last Duchess by Robert
Browning analysis
Mending Wall by Robert Frost
analysis
Song Of Myself by Walt
Whitman analysis
Death Be Not Proud by John
Donne analysis
I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud
by William Wordsworth
analysis
The White Man's Burden by
Rudyard Kipling analysis
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
The Tyger by William Blake
analysis
The Cask Of Amontillado by
Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Composed Upon Westminster
Bridge by William Wordsworth
analysis
by the window on the Prague Berlin train
Interpretation
alone could kill me
is it because I'm half dead from thinking about someone
back in Moscow
her hair straw-blond eyelashes blue
the train plunges on through the pitch-black night
I never knew I liked the night pitch-black
sparks fly from the engine
I didn't know I loved sparks
I didn't know I loved so many things and I had to wait until
sixty
to find it out sitting by the window on the Prague-Berlin train
watching the world disappear as if on a journey of no return
19 April 1962
Moscow
Trans. by Randy Blasing and Mutlu Konuk (1993)
Editor 1 Interpretation
Things I Didn't Know I Loved:
A Deep Dive into Nazim
Hikmet's Classic Poem
Nazim Hikmet's "Things I Didn't Know I Loved" is a poem
that beautifully captures the essence of life in all its
complexities. The poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry
and has been celebrated for its emotional depth,
philosophical insights, and evocative imagery.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore
the various themes and literary devices used by Hikmet in
this poem. We will also delve into the historical context in
which the poem was written and analyze its relevance to
contemporary society.
Historical Context
Nazim Hikmet was a Turkish poet and playwright who lived
in the first half of the 20th century. He was a prominent
member of the Turkish literary scene and was known for his
leftist political views. Hikmet was a prolific writer who
produced a vast body of work that addressed a wide range
of social political and cultural issues

☰
Kubla Khan byAnalysis,
Samuel Taylor
Coleridge analysis
Explanation, Interpretation
Nothing Gold Can Stay by
Fire And Ice by Robert Frost
analysis
The Road Not Taken by Robert
Frost analysis
Dover Beach by Matthew
Arnold analysis
Death is the supple Suitor by
Emily Dickinson analysis
Acquainted With The Night by
Robert Frost analysis
My Last Duchess by Robert
Browning analysis
Mending Wall by Robert Frost
analysis
Song Of Myself by Walt
Whitman analysis
Death Be Not Proud by John
Donne analysis
I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud
by William Wordsworth
analysis
The White Man's Burden by
Rudyard Kipling analysis
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
The Tyger by William Blake
analysis
The Cask Of Amontillado by
Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Composed Upon Westminster
Bridge by William Wordsworth
analysis
of social, political, and cultural issues.
"Things I Didn't Know I Loved" was written during Hikmet's
exile in Moscow in 1956. Hikmet was forced to leave Turkey
in 1951 due to his political activities and spent the rest of
his life in exile. The poem reflects Hikmet's experiences of
being away from his homeland and his feelings of nostalgia
and longing.
Themes
The poem is a reflection on the joys and sorrows of life and
the things that make it worth living. It is a celebration of the
small things that we often take for granted, but which bring
meaning to our lives. The poem is also a meditation on the
human condition and the inevitability of death.
One of the main themes of the poem is nostalgia. Hikmet
longs for the things he left behind in his homeland, such as
the smell of the sea and the sound of the muezzin's call to
prayer. This sense of longing is a common theme in
literature, but Hikmet infuses it with a sense of urgency and
desperation that is uniquely his.
Another theme of the poem is the beauty of everyday life.
Hikmet celebrates the small things that make life worth
living, such as the taste of a tomato or the sound of a
child's laughter. By focusing on these small details, Hikmet
reminds us of the beauty that surrounds us every day and
encourages us to appreciate it.
The poem also explores the theme of mortality. Hikmet
reflects on the inevitability of death and the fact that all of
us will eventually die. However, he also reminds us that life
is still worth living, even in the face of death.
Literary Devices
Hikmet uses a variety of literary devices in "Things I Didn't
Know I Loved" to create a sense of depth and complexity.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of
imagery. Hikmet's descriptions of the sea, the sky, and the
sun are vivid and evocative, and they transport the reader to
another world.
Another literary device that Hikmet uses is repetition. The
phrase "Things I Didn't Know I Loved" is repeated
throughout the poem, emphasizing the idea that we often
take the things we love for granted. This repetition also
creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, adding to the

☰
Kubla Khan byAnalysis,
Samuel Taylor
Coleridge analysis
Explanation, Interpretation
Nothing Gold Can Stay by
Fire And Ice by Robert Frost
analysis
The Road Not Taken by Robert
Frost analysis
Dover Beach by Matthew
Arnold analysis
Death is the supple Suitor by
Emily Dickinson analysis
Acquainted With The Night by
Robert Frost analysis
My Last Duchess by Robert
Browning analysis
Mending Wall by Robert Frost
analysis
Song Of Myself by Walt
Whitman analysis
Death Be Not Proud by John
Donne analysis
I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud
by William Wordsworth
analysis
The White Man's Burden by
Rudyard Kipling analysis
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
The Tyger by William Blake
analysis
The Cask Of Amontillado by
Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Composed Upon Westminster
Bridge by William Wordsworth
analysis
poem's emotional impact.
Hikmet also uses metaphor and symbolism to create
meaning in the poem. For example, the tomato is used as a
metaphor for the simple pleasures of life, while the sea
represents the vastness of the world and the unknown. The
use of these symbols adds depth and complexity to the
poem.
Interpretation
"Things I Didn't Know I Loved" is a poem that resonates with
readers on a deep emotional level. Its themes of nostalgia,
the beauty of everyday life, and mortality are universal, and
they speak to the human experience in a profound way.
The poem is also a reflection of Hikmet's own experiences
as an exile. His longing for his homeland and his
celebration of the small things in life are indicative of the
struggles that many exiles face. The poem can be seen as a
commentary on the human experience of displacement and
the importance of finding meaning in life, even in the face
of adversity.
In a broader sense, the poem can be read as a call to
appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day. Hikmet
reminds us that life is fleeting, and that we should savor
every moment, no matter how small. The poem encourages
us to take a step back from our busy lives and appreciate
the simple pleasures that make life worth living.
Conclusion
"Things I Didn't Know I Loved" is a masterpiece of modern
poetry that has stood the test of time. Its emotional depth,
philosophical insights, and evocative imagery have made it
a beloved classic that continues to resonate with readers
today.
The poem is a celebration of life in all its complexity, and it
reminds us of the importance of finding meaning in the
small things. By exploring themes of nostalgia, the beauty
of everyday life, and mortality, Hikmet creates a work of art
that speaks to the human experience in a profound way.
In the end, "Things I Didn't Know I Loved" is a poem that
inspires us to live our lives to the fullest, to appreciate the
beauty that surrounds us, and to find meaning in the small
things that make life worth living.

☰
Kubla Khan byAnalysis,
Samuel Taylor
Coleridge analysis
Explanation, Interpretation
Nothing Gold Can Stay by
Fire And Ice by Robert Frost
analysis
The Road Not Taken by Robert
Frost analysis
Dover Beach by Matthew
Arnold analysis
Death is the supple Suitor by
Emily Dickinson analysis
Acquainted With The Night by
Robert Frost analysis
My Last Duchess by Robert
Browning analysis
Mending Wall by Robert Frost
analysis
Song Of Myself by Walt
Whitman analysis
Death Be Not Proud by John
Donne analysis
I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud
by William Wordsworth
analysis
The White Man's Burden by
Rudyard Kipling analysis
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
The Tyger by William Blake
analysis
The Cask Of Amontillado by
Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Composed Upon Westminster
Bridge by William Wordsworth
analysis
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Things I Didn't Know I Loved: A Poem of Discovery and
Gratitude
Nazim Hikmet, one of the most celebrated poets of the
20th century, wrote a beautiful poem titled "Things I Didn't
Know I Loved". This poem is a reflection on the small things
in life that we often take for granted, but which bring us
immense joy and comfort. In this analysis, we will explore
the themes, structure, and language of the poem, and
understand why it has become a classic in the world of
poetry.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing his surprise
at the things he loves, but didn't know he loved. He says,
"it's 1962 March 28th / I'm sitting by the window on the
Prague-Berlin train". This opening line sets the scene for the
rest of the poem, and we can imagine the speaker looking
out of the window, lost in thought. The fact that he is on a
train, travelling from one place to another, is significant. It
suggests that he is in a state of transition, both physically
and emotionally. He is leaving one place behind and moving
towards another, and this journey is making him reflect on
his life and the things that matter to him.
The first thing that the speaker discovers he loves is "the
color of the sky in Istanbul". This is a powerful image, as
the sky is often associated with freedom and hope. The
fact that the speaker loves the color of the sky in Istanbul
suggests that he has a deep connection to his homeland,
and that he finds comfort in the familiar. He goes on to
describe other things he loves, such as "the sound of the
muezzin / calling the faithful to prayer", "the smell of our
streets", and "the taste of watermelon". These are all
sensory experiences that evoke strong emotions in the
speaker. They remind him of home, of his childhood, and of
the people he loves.
As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more
introspective. He reflects on his past, and the things he
didn't appreciate at the time. He says, "I didn't know I loved /
the leaves of the eucalyptus tree / rustling in the morning
breeze". This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests
that the speaker has only come to appreciate the beauty of
nature later in life. He also reflects on the people he loves,
and the things they do that bring him joy. He says, "I didn't
know I loved / my father's eyes / or the way my wife
laughs". These are simple things, but they are the things
that make life worth living.
The poem ends with the speaker expressing his gratitude

☰
Kubla Khan byAnalysis,
Samuel Taylor
Explanation, Interpretation
Coleridge analysis
Nothing Gold Can Stay by
Fire And Ice by Robert Frost
analysis
The Road Not Taken by Robert
Frost analysis
Dover Beach by Matthew
Arnold analysis
Death is the supple Suitor by
Emily Dickinson analysis
Acquainted With The Night by
Robert Frost analysis
My Last Duchess by Robert
Browning analysis
Mending Wall by Robert Frost
analysis
Song Of Myself by Walt
Whitman analysis
Death Be Not Proud by John
Donne analysis
I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud
by William Wordsworth
analysis
The White Man's Burden by
Rudyard Kipling analysis
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
analysis
The Tyger by William Blake
analysis
The Cask Of Amontillado by
Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Composed Upon Westminster
Bridge by William Wordsworth
analysis
The poem ends with the speaker expressing his gratitude
for the things he loves. He says, "now I know I love these
things / because I see them / in your eyes". This line is
addressed to someone specific, and it suggests that the
speaker has found love and companionship. The fact that
he sees the things he loves in the eyes of another person is
a powerful image, as it suggests that love has given him a
new perspective on life. He no longer takes things for
granted, but appreciates them fully.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective. It is
divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The first
three stanzas describe the things the speaker loves, while
the final stanza expresses his gratitude. The repetition of
the phrase "I didn't know I loved" creates a sense of
discovery and surprise. It suggests that the speaker is
uncovering hidden truths about himself, and that he is
grateful for the opportunity to do so.
The language of the poem is simple and direct, but it is also
rich in imagery and emotion. The use of sensory details,
such as the color of the sky, the sound of the muezzin, and
the taste of watermelon, creates a vivid picture in the
reader's mind. The repetition of the phrase "I didn't know I
loved" creates a sense of wonder and discovery, while the
final line, "because I see them / in your eyes", is a powerful
expression of love and gratitude.
In conclusion, "Things I Didn't Know I Loved" is a beautiful
poem that celebrates the small things in life that bring us
joy and comfort. It is a poem of discovery and gratitude,
and it reminds us to appreciate the things we often take for
granted. The simple structure and language of the poem
make it accessible to all readers, while the rich imagery and
emotion make it a classic in the world of poetry.
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