A part of a Balochi ballad translated by Fazal Baloch with a brief introduction by the translator
The love story of Kiyya and Sadu is very famous among the Baloch. An anonymous poet has versified the whole story in the form of a romantic ballad in lucid yet captivating language, this story of Kiyya, a young man from western Balochistan, and Sadu, who hailed from Makkuran. When a devastating draught hit the region, Kiyya along with his herd migrated from his hometown and camped somewhere in coastal area of Balochistan. One day by the river, he ran into a fair maiden, Sadu. He was struck by her charm so much that he fell in love with her instantly. He approached Sadu’s father and asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Since Kiyya was the member of an illustrious tribe, Sadu’s father accepted his marriage proposal.
A few days later, Kiyya took leave from Sadu’s father asking him that he would come back just in a few days after making necessary preparation for the marriage. However, he did not return in the stipulated time. Time went by. Neither did Kiyya showed up nor did come any message from him. In the meantime, some other men approached Sadu’s father with the desire to tie the knot with Sadu. His father was caught in a dilemma. He had given his words to Kiyya who had almost forgotten his commitment. On the other hand, age was slowly creeping upon her daughter. While, Sadu was not in favour of tying the knot with another man. She wanted to wait for Kiyya. The following poem is the description of Sadu’s message to Kiyya through an emissary bird:
SADU SAYS TO THE BIRD -- O sweet singing lively bird! Red-eyed and pretty-winged, When you peck from harvested fields, Bits of spring yields. But tiny grains of wild shrubs Wouldn’t ever feed ye. Come, alight onto the threshold of my hut, Away from rest of the flock -- I'll feed you with fragrant grains, With cardamoms and cloves. I’ll spread them on my scarf And water I’ll give you in a silver cup. In the shade of my sable hair Perch on my shoulder and chirrup. Nestle on my lap and sleep. Whenever you want to leave, Just coo and forewarn me. With civet-musk I’ll gild your beak, With rose-petals your wings, I’ll dispatch the clouds of mist To sail you over. Come and be my messenger From Belau*, all the way to Bahau*. Of the lay of the land, I'll give you some clues. On the land that's called Bahau, A long river flows through. Like Zamzam* its water sweet and scared, Herds of camels and calves, Roam and graze on the verdant meadows. A dome-shaped tree stands in grace and awe, Like a camel’s foot appears its leaves, Like a scorpion’s sting its spikes, And branches like a tiger’s paw. Illustrious men have gathered by the royal court. In a row, sit the matchless warriors; In the next, the common folks; The blue-blooded Kalmatis*, in the third row. Amongst them, there’s a man Dressed in exquisite robes. Handsome of the most handsome fellows, Indeed, Kiyya is distinct In appearance and demeanour, His waist curved by the quiver, By the glistening shield his shoulder. Alight on his turban, chirping Ever so gently whisper in his ear, The message of Sadu I do bear Her message and good tidings. Kiyya! O, you the unfaithful fellow You promised to return in ten days, But now it has already been Six months and a whole year. You vowed to return but did not. The lambs kept for the wedding feast Have now all grown old. Worms have devoured the flour. Birds have pecked away the henna. Your bride has lost all her teeth. The bridal incense has gathered dust. Come if you must, Or henceforth someone else will replace you. If you’ve fallen in love with someone else, May death consume her! May a headache, a deadly cough And a slow fever claim her mother! May no harm befall you ever! It’s a loss alone I’m to suffer! *Bahau: A place in Western Balochistan. *Belau: A place in Eastern Balochistan *Zamazam: A well located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. *Kalmati: Name of a Baloch tribe.
{Note from the translator: There are more than one version of this ballad with substantial difference in the text. This is an assortment of different sources primarily from Meeras, (The Heritage) (4th edition) compiled by Faquir Shad, and published by Fazul Adabi Caravan, Mand in 2016}
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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