Poetry by Allah Bashk Buzdar: translated from Balochi by Fazal Baloch
The world of my dreams longs for you,
My love, come and fill my thoughts with radiant hues and shades.
Let my eyes feast on your glowing face,
And grace my lips with the warmth of your breath.
Let my hands feel your soft caress,
And let the fragrance of blooming flowers
Permeate the air around me,
Filling my heart with boundless joy.
Let the breeze rising from your comely gait
Enchant my existence.
My destination lies far from here,
I’ve to journey beyond borders of tyranny and oppression.
Every stone and thorn along the way
I must gather,
The tangled strands of life
I must unravel.
A new harvest of love
I must sow.
Bid me farewell with
Blessings and infinite hope.
Hold me in your gaze
And beneath your sable tresses,
Lest the sapling and bloom of love
You planted should wither away.
I must leave for barren, distant lands,
I’m aware
The quest of life may lead me astray.
And who knows then,
On whose shoulders
Your tresses will fall in soft disarray?
Translator’s Note: Allah Bashk Buzdar is a remarkable modern Balochi poet known for his distinct diction, unique poetic language, and peculiar mode of expression. He writes in the Sulaimani dialect—one of the three major dialects of Balochi, predominantly spoken in the eastern regions of Balochistan and adjoining areas. Buzdar’s poetry reflects his unwavering love and commitment to humanity. Even when writing verses of love and romance, he connects them to the plight of people who live around him. He has published two anthologies of poetry so far. The translated poem is taken from his first anthology, Hoshken Rakk Saoz Bant (The Parched Lips Will Bloom Anew), published by the Balochi Academy Quetta in 2004.
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. Fazal Baloch has the translation rights to this poem.
PLEASE NOTE: ARTICLES CAN ONLY BE REPRODUCED IN OTHER SITES WITH DUE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BORDERLESS JOURNAL
Click here to access the Borderless anthology, Monalisa No Longer Smiles
Click here to access Monalisa No Longer Smiles on Amazon International
Borderless 