Abu Lala Mahari: Fourth Surah

By Avediq Isahakian
Translated by Tatul Sonentz
(Note: read the first surah here.)

Like an enormous, ominous black bird, the awesome night spreads its two endless wings,

And both descended on the caravan, the road, and the infinite fields, like an awning.

 

And from horizon to distant horizon, the skies filled with clouds in darkest distress,

The stars and the moon no longer gleamed; it seemed like blackness ensconced darkness.

 

And the mighty winds wildly raced, like an untamed, unbridled stampede of stallions,

Conjuring currents, raising and mixing with the clouds earth and dust of the scorched environs.

 

And in deadly distortions they crashed and screamed in a thousand and one sounds,

Like mortally wounded beasts, they growled, hollered with the very wail of the winds’ howls.

 

Contorting in narrow gorges, twisting and meandering through spacious woods of palm trees,

The wretched winds emitted moans and groans, sounding like a lamenting heart’s entreaties.

 

“Go, caravan, advance undaunted against all winds towards the very edge of the earth!”

Thus spoke to himself, Abu Mahari, the renowned poet, from the depths of his heart.

 

“Crackle over my head, heedless gales, conflagrate and detonate around my head!

Here I stand tall before you, with my head high, I do not kowtow to fear—smite my forehead!

 

“I shall not return to debauched cities, where the deafening din of sins rises high and spills over,

Those capitals of blood and gore, where ferocious man fells his fellowman asunder.

 

“My homeless head, you will never return home, since you disowned your own ancestral house.

Woe onto him, who owns home and hearth, shackled at the gate of his house like a hound.

 

“Assail, mighty winds! Sack my father’s house and bring it down to dust to its foundations broad,

And scatter its dirt to the four winds—for henceforth, my only home is the endless road…

 

“Hereafter, loneliness is my love, the stargazed firmament—my lone paternal tent;

Now, the caravan is my companion, and my comfort, my solitary route, unbroken by intent.

 

“You, conjurer of a road, my new homeland—forever concealed, eternally enchanting,

Abduct me, take my ever-wailing heart there, where no human has ever set foot, wandering.

 

“You must ever be alert in the presence of men, always on your feet and sword in hand,

Lest they violate you, and tear your friends—and foes alike—to bits, before you can take a stand.

 

“Lead me far, far away from friends, who, like a blood-thirsty swarm of insatiable mosquitoes,

Keep you company when your veins are full, but disdain you the moment the blood no longer flows.

 

“Who would have inflicted my deepest wounds, if it were not for so called friends, cohorts all?

They wormed their way into my heart with tender embrace, and with toxic kisses stung my very soul!

 

“Ten thousand lies and fibs contaminate the very core of each human kiss, the kiss of companions,

With which are ensnared the secrets of your heart, turning you into a prisoner for endless eons.

 

“What is a friend, or a companion, if not deceitful, covetous, greedy, cowardly, and craven?

A firmament of love died in my soul, a blazing sun of ardent faith, hope, and charity even.

 

“What, really, is a friend? Envious of your success, spying on your steps, an avaricious gossipmonger!

Familiar dogs do not bark at you; only people who know you well, growl and howl at you louder.”

 

Wanton winds mocked and laughed like malevolent banshees at Abu Lala’s downcast demeanor.

They cackled and chortled, clapping loud in mock cheer and pulling and tugging at his cape in ardor.

 

Hanging from the flapping folds of his robe they raised clouds of sand around Abu Lala’s face,

Picking up and blowing handfuls of dust into his eyes, they severed the thread of his thoughts…

End of the Fourth Surah

 

Tatul Sonentz-Papazian

Tatul Sonentz-Papazian

Tatul Sonentz-Papazian is the former editor of the Armenian Review and director of the ARF and First Republic of Armenia Archives, based in Watertown, Mass. He has been a contributor to the Armenian Weekly for over 50 years. He currently directs the Publications Department of the Armenian Relief Society.
Tatul Sonentz-Papazian

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1 Comment

  1. Abu-lala Mahari: will the Surahs 5,6,7,and Last be translated as well? Mr. Papazian has done a great job with the translation.

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