Persian Poetry Challenge: Translate This Verse!
Persian poetry is a treasure trove of beauty, emotion, and layered meaning—and we want YOU to dive into it! Today, we’re launching a fun and engaging challenge: translate this short, untranslated verse of Persian poetry and share your interpretation in the comments.
The Challenge
Below is a couplet from one of the most celebrated Persian poets. We invite you to try your hand at translating it and to share what you think it means. Whether you’re a seasoned translator or a curious beginner, your creative interpretation is welcome!
Untranslated Verse:
بیا تا گل برافشانیم و می در ساغر اندازیم
فلک را سقف بشکافیم و طرحی نو دراندازیم
Translation Challenge: What does this couplet mean to you? How do you interpret the images of scattering flowers, pouring wine, and breaking open the sky? Share your translation in the comments below!
How to Participate
- Translate the Verse: Write your own translation of the Persian couplet.
- Share Your Thoughts: Tell us what images or feelings the verse evokes for you.
- Enter for a Prize: The most creative and/or accurate translation will be featured on our blog, and the winner will receive a special Persian Poetry Bookmark designed exclusively for this challenge!
Deadline for submissions: [One week from today].
What’s Next?
After the submission period ends, we’ll post the official translation along with an in-depth explanation of the context behind this verse. We’ll discuss its significance in Persian literature, the historical backdrop of the poet’s work, and how these evocative images have inspired readers for centuries.
A Glimpse into the Verse
Here’s a brief insight to get you started:
This couplet, often attributed to Hafez, is an invitation to celebrate life’s fleeting beauty. The imagery of scattering flowers and pouring wine suggests a call to seize the moment, while the bold ambition of breaking open the sky speaks to the desire for renewal and transformation. But what does it mean in your own words? We can’t wait to see your interpretations!
Join us in this poetic journey—translate, share, and celebrate the art of Persian poetry. Let your words flow and show us how you capture the spirit of these timeless lines.
