A Scholarly Translation and Interpretation of the Pashto Poem “Awal Starge Sta Da Lido Hura” I

 A Scholarly Translation and Interpretation of the Pashto Poem “Awal Starge Sta Da Lido Hura”

Introduction

Pashto literature possesses a rich poetic tradition in which themes of love, longing, emotional suffering, and spiritual devotion are articulated with remarkable depth and simplicity. The poem “Awal Starge Sta Da Lido Hura” represents a profound reflection on human emotions, particularly the experience of love and the psychological world of the lover.

Through symbolic language and cultural references, the poet expresses the idea that the ultimate aspiration of the human heart is the vision of the beloved. The poem also explores the trials of love, the presence of rivals and hardships, and the enduring power of hope.

The following section provides a verse-by-verse academic translation and interpretation of the poem.

Verse 1

اوّل سترګې ستا د لیدو حورا

Translation

The foremost desire of my eyes is the sight of you.

Interpretation

This opening verse establishes the emotional foundation of the poem. In classical poetic traditions, the eyes are often regarded as the mirror of the heart. The poet suggests that the deepest longing of his being is the vision of the beloved.

The statement emphasizes the centrality of love as the guiding force of human emotion. The beloved becomes the ultimate source of fulfillment, overshadowing all other worldly desires.

Verse 2

زہ خو ساز او سرور او خمار پېژنم

یا لیلی پېژنم یا ایاز

Translation

I recognize only melody, ecstasy, and the intoxication of love;

I know either Layla or Ayaz.

Interpretation

In this verse, the poet invokes symbolic figures of love and devotion from cultural history.

Layla represents the legendary beloved in the classical tale of Layla and Majnun, symbolizing eternal and passionate love. Ayaz, the devoted servant of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, symbolizes loyalty and spiritual attachment.

Through these references, the poet implies that his understanding of the world is shaped primarily by the language of love rather than by worldly knowledge or rational concerns.

Verse 3

زہ خو غم او اور دلدار پېژنم

یا رقیب پېژنم یا غماز

Translation

I know only sorrow and the beloved;

I recognize either the rival or the informer.

Interpretation

This verse highlights the inevitable challenges associated with love. The presence of rivals and informers reflects the social obstacles that lovers often encounter.

The poet suggests that the emotional world of the lover is defined by two dominant experiences: devotion to the beloved and confrontation with adversaries. Despite these challenges, the lover remains steadfast in his affection.

Verse 4

دې نسکور شمکور ته د نور قیصې

د جنت قصې د جلال قصې

منګکوري ته د زهرا قیصې

د ماهام قیصې د هلال قیصې

Translation

Tell stories of light to those who dwell in darkness,

tell them tales of paradise and grandeur.

Narrate to the people of Mangkoray the stories of Zahra,

the stories of the moon and the crescent.

Interpretation

This verse extends beyond personal love and touches upon a broader social dimension. The poet emphasizes the importance of inspiring those who live in conditions of despair or ignorance.

By narrating stories of beauty, glory, and illumination, individuals can cultivate hope and awareness. The imagery of light and celestial bodies symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and moral elevation.

Verse 5

زہ خو گل او چمن او شراب پېژنم

او بهار پېژنم او خزان

Translation

I know only flowers, gardens, and the wine of love;

I recognize both spring and autumn.

Interpretation

This verse reflects the dual nature of human existence. Spring symbolizes prosperity, beauty, and joy, whereas autumn represents decline, melancholy, and loss.

By acknowledging both seasons, the poet suggests that life inevitably contains moments of happiness as well as sorrow. Nevertheless, the appreciation of beauty and love remains central to his worldview.

Verse 6

زہ خو شرنګ او رنگ او کباب پېژنم

نه ګناه پېژنم نه شیطان

Translation

I know only joy, color, and the delights of life;

I recognize neither sin nor Satan.

Interpretation

Here the poet portrays an attitude of innocence and emotional purity. Rather than focusing on moral judgment or negativity, the speaker chooses to emphasize beauty, joy, and vitality.

This perspective implies that life should be approached with openness and appreciation rather than fear or condemnation.

Verse 7

دې مدهوش بې هوش نه ده خو طمع

ربه ظلم دی ربه زور دی

Translation

This intoxication and ecstasy are not born of greed;

O Lord, it is oppression, it is injustice.

Interpretation

The poet clarifies that his emotional state arises not from selfish ambition but from genuine love. If others interpret his feelings as weakness or indulgence, he considers such judgment unjust.

This verse underscores the sincerity and authenticity of the lover’s emotional experience.

Verse 8

د کیکر نه ستا د مالټو طمع

او کیکر غریب له اور دی

Translation

One cannot expect oranges from a kikar tree;

for the poor, even fire is difficult to obtain.

Interpretation

This verse presents a philosophical reflection on realism and expectation. The metaphor of the kikar tree illustrates the principle that every entity has inherent limitations.

Similarly, individuals should not expect outcomes that contradict the natural order of circumstances. The reference to poverty further highlights the social inequalities present in human life.

Verse 9

دې شمکور نه ستا د لیدو طمع

دې نسکور نه تا ته د تلو طمع

Translation

From these dark places I still hope to behold you;

from these broken people I still hope to reach you.

Interpretation

Despite the presence of darkness and adversity, the poet maintains hope. Hope becomes a sustaining force that enables individuals to endure hardship and continue striving toward their aspirations.

This verse emphasizes resilience and emotional perseverance.

Verse 10

او سترګې ستا د لیدو حورا

بیا کو د میندو طمع

Translation

The foremost longing of my eyes is to see you,

and thereafter remains the hope of love.

Interpretation

The concluding verse encapsulates the entire thematic structure of the poem. The poet reiterates that the vision of the beloved constitutes the ultimate fulfillment of his emotional journey.

Even after achieving this vision, the experience of love continues to deepen, indicating that love is not merely a momentary feeling but an enduring spiritual state.

Conclusion

The poem “Awal Starge Sta Da Lido Hura” presents a rich exploration of love, emotional struggle, hope, and human experience within the cultural framework of Pashto literature.

Through symbolic language, metaphors, and historical references, the poet portrays love as a transformative force that shapes human perception and resilience. Despite the presence of sorrow, rivals, and social challenges, the poet maintains that love and hope remain the most powerful elements of human existence.

Ultimately, the poem suggests that the essence of life lies not in material pursuits but in the capacity of the human heart to love, endure, and hope.