|
|
|
Tatar folk song "Karurman" is the radiant gem in the diadem of the Tatar spirit
Below is an English translation of the Tatar poem "Kaрурман" (Karurman), crafted to preserve its poetic essence, imagery, and emotional tone while adapting it into natural and equivalent English verse. The poem is a lyrical reflection on nature, longing, companionship, and the challenges of life's journey, with recurring motifs of the dark forest, the night, and the need for good horses and loyal friends. The translation maintains the rhythmic flow and evocative imagery, ensuring cultural nuances are conveyed where possible. The poem’s repetitive structure and imagery (e.g., the dark forest, twin birches, good horses) are preserved to maintain its folkloric and lyrical quality. "Karurman" is kept as a proper noun, as it likely refers to a symbolic or specific forest in Tatar culture, evoking a sense of mystery and tradition. Terms like "twin birch" (куш каен) and "white-gray steed" (акбүз ат) are translated to reflect their cultural significance, with birches symbolizing connection or unity and the horse representing strength and journey. The refrain about birds singing and the "wondrous sight" (хәйран тамаша) captures the awe of nature, a central theme. Emotional nuances, such as longing for homeland and kin, are emphasized to resonate with the original’s sense of nostalgia and community. The translation avoids overly literal phrasing to ensure the poem flows naturally in English while retaining its evocative and rhythmic quality.
Masguda Shamsutdinova
The Dark Forest - Karurman
Tatar folk song
From our parents came the dark forest's song,
Such beautiful tunes, now faded, gone.
No longer do such melodies resound,
In the shadowed woods where dreams are found.
Through the dark, dark forest, through the blackened night,
Good horses you need to cross aright.
When I ventured out from Karurman’s shade,
I cut a twin birch, its branches splayed,
Let’s live as one, my friend, I said.
Through the dark, dark forest, as evening fell,
On my white-gray steed, I rode so well.
When I entered Karurman’s mystic reign,
I cut a twin birch to ease my pain,
Oh, let’s not part, my friend, remain.
The swallow, a moonlit bird, so rare,
Won’t rest on branches in the forest’s glare.
When I left the woods of Karurman’s hold,
I cut a twin birch, its tale untold,
Together we’ll stay, my friend, so bold.
When I left the forest, my horse did stray,
Along the lake’s edge, it went its way.
Oh, I miss you dearly, day by day.
Through the dark, dark forest, through the blackened night,
I’d steal fine horses if I had the might.
Opening windows, letting hair cascade,
I’d sleep as a maiden, in beauty arrayed.
When I left the forest, my horse won’t wade,
The river runs deep, I’m sore afraid.
Dark forest, dark night, where waters gleam,
A secret spring for all to dream.
Through the dark, dark forest, the shadowed trail,
You can’t climb hills if foresight fails.
Without seeing fate, no grave’s embrace,
No hand can wipe what’s written on your face.
Through the dark, dark forest, through the blackened night,
Good horses you need to cross aright.
Entering Karurman, turning to the right,
Live well, my kin, though we part tonight.
Through the forest, birds sing in delight,
Oh, birds sing sweet, a wondrous sight.
Through the dark, dark forest, through the moonless night,
White-gray steeds race with boundless might.
When I crossed the woods of Karurman’s lore,
I cut twin birches, as I did before,
Oh, let’s not part, my friend, once more.
Through the forest, birds sing in delight,
Oh, birds sing sweet, a marvelous sight.
The forest is far, the path is mire,
Good horses you need to quench desire.
Times are heavy, sorrows multiply,
True friends you need to face the sky.
When I entered Karurman’s wooded reign,
I cut twin birches to ease my pain,
Oh, let’s not part, my friend, remain.
Through the forest, birds sing in delight,
Oh, birds sing sweet, a wondrous sight.
Through the dark, dark forest, through the blackened night,
Good horses you need to cross aright.
Wherever you go, you need a friend,
To tie your horse when journeys end.
Through the forest, birds sing in delight,
Oh, birds sing sweet, a marvelous sight.
Through the dark, dark forest, through the blackened night,
Good horses you need to cross aright.
Times are troubled, trials abound,
True friends you need on life’s hard ground.
The forest’s sweet scents give hearts release,
Through Karurman’s paths, where birds sing peace.
Oh, birds sing sweet, their voices soar,
Abroad, my mind strays to that distant shore.
When I entered Karurman’s mystic reign,
I cut twin fences to mark my pain,
My homeland I miss, by night and morn,
My heart for my kin is ever torn.
When I left the forest, I plucked its berries bright,
Like those I’ve lost, they fade from sight.
When I entered Karurman’s wooded reign,
I cut twin fences to mark my pain,
My kin I miss, by night and morn,
My heart for my homeland ever torn.
Through the dark, dark forest, through the blackened night,
Good horses you need to cross aright.
When I left the woods, my horse won’t wade,
Oh, friends are needed in this world’s crusade.
|