A blonde lass across the river
Across the river, a blond lass alone
under the willows, through the foam
washing clothes over the stone.
Gownraised, breasts did glare
two white doves close by there…
Why the hell I happen to stare!
Cherries sprout on top of breasts
juice of April bubbled on crest.
Stream of the mill crying abreast.
Then that bird of the high sky,
as if the Sun’s daughter is by,
scorching me deeply alive.
The stream flowed down the tress,
but for me it was a mess.
I wished fire and water-caress,
I did long, and I had fear.
Hang on lass, let us get near,
don’t be afraid, don’t be off, dear…
Let this river sweep me alone,
cover me with mud and foam
if one loves you more my dawn.
If one loves you as I do
in my sleep may God come through
so He punishes me due
like an axe cuts a bamboo.
If one loves you as I do..!
Translation from Albanian into English
By Alfred Kola
