TRANSLATIONS

Examples from Uzbek poetry
(Translated by Azam Abidov)

ERKIN VOHIDOV


ERKIN VOHIDOV, national poet of Uzbekistan, statesman, he published many books, translated works of many authors from classical literature. Currently he is working for Uzbek Senate.

 

ABOUT MODESTY

 

Though the teapot is a proud

But it always bows to cup.

Thus why be such cocky, bold,

What for wanted hubris - sharp?

 

 

Be modest, simple, not to set foot -

In the step of pride, no up!

So the people kiss in good,

From the forehead of the cup.

 

 

HOW MATMUSA SOLD HIS DONKEY

 

All of a sudden Matmusa's

Donkey became very black.

None can approach to it

Neither from the front, nor back.

 

This mongrel began to break

Even rope that's two-ply,

When it screams the whole world

Will be ruined from the fright.

 

It's impossible to ride,

Ass may throw men as a ball.

Enough of that! Now Matmusa

Will sell it, get rid of at all.

 

But there is a market rule

From the very old years:

What you sell then you should tell

All its fault right in the place.

 

Poor Matmusa's in trouble,

He is on the crisis way -

If he tells the faults of ass

Every man will go away

 

Keeping silence is a sin!

Matmusa thought much of it.

He went to market fast at last,

Cried aloud in the street:

 

People, people, come nearby

I have cheapest thing to buy

Never think it's only ass -

Ten horses power it has.