I was saved, mother, I was saved 

The henna of your unripe blood has coloured every pore of my being

I was saved, mother, I was saved

 

Had my features formed, they too would have filled with blood

Had my eyes learnt to see they would have been rimmed with the surma of acid

 

I would have been bartered in satta-vatta or used up in kari

Every dream of mine would have remained unfulfilled

 

Had I gained a little in height, my father would have diminished in his

Had my veil slipped from my head just a little, my brother’s turban would have fallen 

 

Before I could hear your lullaby, I have gone to sleep my own sleep

I came from a strange land, I have gone away to a strange land

 

I was saved, mother, I was saved

The henna of your unripe blood has coloured every pore of my being

I was saved, mother