Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Jasmine and Khayay buds




Two, three days ago, I was looking for a satirical verse by U Ponnya on the web. I think it was in his collection of Myittasa and he called it "A group of men despised by Lord Buddha". Instead, I found the simple and beautiful translation of his little gem "Jasmine" by Reverend
Friedrich V. Lustig, Buddhist Archbishop of Lavita at


Jasmine

When jasmine
Is not in bloom
In palace gardens
Courtiers must
Bedeck themselves
With Kan flowers

When jasmine
Is in full bloom
In Mandalay's
Palace gardens
Courtiers never
Adorn themselves
With Kan flowers

Then Kan flowers
Find favor only
Among villagers


I like to imagine we Myanmars, old and young alike will know and love this beautiful poem about khan, a rustic flower and a poor, fleeting substitute for the regal jasmine. If so, they will also love the poem by Min-thu-wun about khayay and roses. I have forgotten the name of the poem, but I have the lines in my heart, so I just put it "Rose" and tried my words. If they are passable, let them be my tribute to Bagyi Wun.


Rose


Way back from rice fields
I'd plucked khayay buds;
Given to her 'cause she'd love
Wearing 'em in her hair.


Towards the morning,
My most graceful, when I saw,
Roses in her hair,
Giving an aura o' status,
Oh, so fair.



And my tribute to Pho Ponnya:

Jasmine


'cause jasmine is not in season
In the royal garden, be pampered,
Courtiers console themselves
Wearing stringed khan flowers.


When Mandalay palace, environs,
Pervade with fragrance o' jasmine
Thence, khan flower slips;


Fleeting glory;
Henceforth 'tis rustic legacy;
'tis a flower, fancied by villagers.




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