Pathan Poetry 17th c., and foregoing henna when dumped...

Posted by Catherine Cartwright Jones on October 29, 1999 at 00:42:37:

Khushal Khan Khattak was a Pathan (group of people that spread from
Afghanistan to Pakistan and somewhat into India, Muslim) writing in
the late 1600's...
"Poems from the Divan of Khushal Khan Khattak"
translated from the Pashto by D.N. Mackenzie
George Allen and Unwin Ltd

Poem 68
"Never again will I confront
A mirror with my face
Nor will I put on kohl again
To darken my two eyes.

"I will not colour my white hands
With festive henna red,
Nor ever use a comb again
To set my hair to rights.

"I will not leave the little curls
To cluster round my face,
Nor chew the betel leaf again
To redden my two lips.

"When my beloved is not there
To see me as I am
For whom should I adorn myself
Or beautify my face?

"My whole frame turns into red flames
All wreathed in greyest smoke
When I recall within my heart
The secrets of our love.

Though life is sweeter than all else
That this world holds for us,
Without my love it's bitter now;
What use is it to me?

"Wherever now my love may be
I pray he wil be happy:
Let him enjoy his happiness
And I alone will grieve."

Follow-ups:

• Re: Pathan Poetry 17th c., and foregoing henna when dumped... Khalil 16:01:05 6/06/00 (0)
• Henna for happy occasions Jewel 02:08:35 10/29/99 (2)
  • Thanks Everyone MyST 18:54:51 10/29/99 (0)
  • American (western?) attitudes Anon 17:49:38 10/29/99 (0)
• Re: Pathan Poetry 17th c., and foregoing henna when dumped... Jewel 01:43:45 10/29/99 (4)
  • A little Rudaki, mid 900's Catherine Cartwright Jones 03:46:07 10/29/99 (3)
    • Re: A little Rudaki, mid 900's adel 13:50:46 12/20/00 (0)
    • Re: A little Rudaki, mid 900's adel 13:50:45 12/20/00 (0)
    • EXQUISITE, Catherine !! Jewel 14:03:35 10/29/99 (0)