In Search of - Magtymguly Pyragy

My country is Etrek, my people are Goklen,
I am in search of love,
My soul is filled with turbulence,
I am in search of the Sufi leader to bless me with power.
I am far from my parents,
From my motherland, the iris of my eyes,
Losing life is easier than separation,
I am in search for a market to sell my goods.

Mammetsapa is my brother,
Mullah Mati is my classmate,
If Abdullah returns, my dear sibling,
I am in search for the Prophet’s blessing.

There is so much grief deep in my heart,
Blood filled my eyes, flowing down,
Fate is not a friend to trust,
I am in search of the grave to escape.

Sonu Dag, my pride,
I walk atop your peak,
I am a hunter hunting for mountain deer,
I am in search of a black shiny snake.

Magtymguly, this world,
Brought so much sorrow and grief.
Oh, my Turkmen nation! Oh, all mankind!
I am in search of a free-flowing stream and a ford to cross.

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Magtymguly Pyragy (1724 - 1783) Turkmenistan
Translated by Paul Michael Taylor
Source: Smithsonian Asian Cultural History Program