Translated from Balochi by Fazal Baloch
A CONVERSATION BETWEEN A LADY AND HER SUITOR She: Hither come, help me get off the cliff, O white-shawled lad! He: I’ll, O, red-dressed lass, but what will be the reward, I have? She: Either my necklace or my bangles, you will have. He: Of your necklace and bangles, none I ever need! ‘Tis your shapely nose and flowing tresses I seek. She: Shapely nose and flowing tresses lie beyond your reach -- I’ll become a wild citron on a lofty tree. Boy: I’ll become grasshopper and nibble your tender leaves. She: I’ll become a cumulus and on the valley burst forth. He: A thirsty deer I’ll become, and drink all the fresh water you pour. She: I’ll become a sorghum grain and rest on the field. He: I’ll become a grey dove and hold you in my beak. She: I’ll become a rabbit, in rosebushes I’ll sleep. He: I’ll become a shepherd, you with my crook I’ll gently beat. She: I’ll become a turban that rests on a bride’s head. He: I’ll play my mouth-harp, and as a reward, you I’ll seek. She: I’ll become the helpless daughter of a poor man. He: I’ll become the grim-reaper, and whisk you off to the heaven. She: You’ve filled my heart with boundless joy and delight Hurry to the wedding chamber, I’m your bride.
This folk song was originally featured in Dreen (The Rainbow: A Collection of Folksongs) collected and translated into Urdu by Atta Shad and A. Salam and published by the Balochi Academy Quetta. Fazal Baloch has the rights to the translation in English.
Fazal Baloch is a Balochi writer and translator. He has translated many Balochi poems and short stories into English. His translations have been featured in Pakistani Literature published by Pakistan Academy of Letters and in the form of books and anthologies.
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