Durr-e-Sameen

In this Reflection, we will talk a bit about the need to avoid translating in a literal way. But first, let’s remind ourselves of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s view on versifying, plainly spelled out in his own words:

Those looking for a literal translation will despair; my sensibilities recoiled at the idea of doing a mechanical translation, especially when I put this enterprise in the context of versifying. 

To (literally) see what I’ve got in mind, all you have to do is put the two side by side 

I do, however, scrupulously adhere to the meaning to the best of my abilities. And to illustrate, allow me to show you the following exhibits; I invite you to check MC Escher’s “magical” Drawing Hands:

The dictionary is an indispensable ally in the translation work.

One more time, let’s remind ourselves of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s view on versifying, plainly spelled out in his own words on the very cover of Durr-e-Sameen:

And yes, as the poet Robert Frost opined brilliantly: “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.“