Raphael Patkanian – New Year

If only this New Year

put an end to Armenians’ pain

evil vanished and the good

made a nest in our hearts.

If only this New Year

Armenia breathed free

and around our mount Masis (Ararat)

the farms and orchards glowed.

If only this New Year

Armenia could get on its feet

and our half-ruined Karin (Erzerum)

was our capital.

If only this New Year

Fortitude flowed through Armenian hearts

sword in hand, courageously

fending off the Kurdish menace

If only this New Year

the Armenian nation would come together

and atop the citadel of Karin

an Armenian flag flew proud.

Armenians never doubt

that all this will come about,

if we banish petty thoughts

from our hearts.