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Just a quick word to those who want this majestic and moving tribute in English. This isn’t a literal translation! I’ve played with some of the lines to facilitate scanning so it isn’t word for word but it captures the sentiments. I haven’t counted syllables in the original this time either so I’ve set my own rhythm. I haven’t tried to rhyme – it’s too time-consuming and I’d have needed to adjust the verse even more – so I’ve used alliteration as the poetic device to bind it. Lounis would sympathise; since, with all the limitations I have imposed on his verse, it still knocks your socks off when you read it with the music!
Hmed was a brave man. In the euro-centric world I inhabit his extraordinary courage is lost else. So, I’m certain Lounis will forgive me for putting in the odd word and adjusting the sense (but not the sentiments). The sub-title is to help English speakers who may be familiar with the Robin Hood legends and will find it hard to unearth anything in English about Hmed Oumerri. Zixi Hmed Oumerri Robin Hood of the Kabyle. His assassins surprised him They as one betrayed his trust For in truth it is said: When a Kabyle emerges He finds his own assassin And so Hmed Oumerri Like a star disappeared… All boast his bravery What ten should defy He faced fearless alone. We revolt at unity And so Hmed Oumerri. Valour has nothing to fear It chooses without caprice And when it solicits you Conceit is no defence. Fear rather them to be foul Without courage or candour When they spout their excess And sit safe on their backsides. Their supporters exceed ours And the rules of their games Escape us: The cities are their playgrounds And human heads their toys If they lose fifty They have a hundred in reserve If they lose fifty… Zixi February 17th 2006, England |
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