Just Listen

Back when those stories first began to unfold

Every `[Kudi: girl/maiden]` felt like a sister to behold

Our intentions were pure, our spirits were clean

In my heart, I was honest and serene

I used to be such a mischievous child

Though my wisdom was raw and my mind was wild

We used to play `[Bante: traditional game of glass marbles]` all day

My aim was true, never led astray

Then a knot of conflict began to take hold

As the fire of youth started to unfold

From the school in the village nearby

My name was struck off, a final goodbye

She used to tie her hair in two braids

Dressed in her uniform, through the sun and the shades

At the third turn of the narrow street lane

The `[Fakkar: Sufi-ascetic/mystic wanderer]` had his camp in the rain

I remember the peak of my youthful days

Love brought a loss in so many ways

Then that `[Allarh: innocent yet reckless young girl]` sowed a seed

A friendship of betrayal, a treacherous deed

The boy stayed tethered to the branch of the tree

Smoke billowed from the `[Motor: electric pump house at a farm, a common hangout]` wild and free

The world’s petty troubles were far out of sight

My soul was befriended by Lord Shiva's light

When I had a bit of money to spend

I, too, was surrounded by many a friend

But when times got tough, those `[Pattu: clever/cunning fellows]` turned away

They changed their paths and left me astray

Some were taken by their aunties to lands far and wide

Some fell into the valley where hardships hide

Some poor souls sold their `[Killa: an acre of land, representing a family's legacy]` in a rush

And fled to foreign lands in the migration crush

When my pockets were empty and the wealth had flown

I started to feel so utterly alone

What else could a `[Mallha: a respectful address to a brave man/youth]` do?

I had to return to my home and my crew

The withdrawal of addiction began to claw

A `[Saali: playful taunt/curse used as an intensifier]` storm blew without law

Even though I didn't want to, my son

The chains of addiction had finally won

Then one day, after taking a hit from the smoke

I sat beside `[Bebe: Mother]` as my spirit broke

Looking her straight in those loving eyes

I couldn't bear the truth behind my lies

`[Bebe: Mother]` was exactly the same as the day

When I lost myself and wandered away

When I first stepped into the traps of "love"

And walked out of the home blessed from above

Don't think I'm a fool or a simpleton, son

This `[Baba: respected elder/holy man]` knows how the riddles are spun

Don't take this lightly, listen to me

My desires were consumed by misery

I have lived every moment in deep regret

While playing this `[Dhol: traditional double-sided drum]` I can't forget

This burden that was forced upon my soul

I've hung it around my neck as my only role

They say this world is like `[Nanak’s Thara: a platform for congregation/wisdom]` divine

One soul departs, another stands in line

Yesterday was my turn to face the tide

Today, my son, it’s your turn to decide

Truthfully, there is no easy way out

It’s beyond your power, without a doubt

`[Kaljug: the dark age of spiritual decline and moral chaos]` has always loomed

Overpowering man until he is doomed

The market for vanity is crowded and wide

Fools find many suitors to stand by their side

There is no value for the soul or the heart

Only the skin is priced in this earthly mart

Don't think the old man is just babbling away

Or trying to herd you like sheep in the gray

Tie this wisdom to your `[Palla: the corner of a garment used to secure valuables]` and hold it tight

This lesson will serve as your guiding light

This lesson will serve as your guiding light