Persian has long been celebrated for its lyrical cadence and subtle playfulness, and no one embodies this better than the celebrated poet Saeb Tabrizi. Centuries ago, he penned lines that continue to enchant modern readers with their wit and wisdom:
دزدی بوسه عجب دزدی خوش عاقبتی است
که اگر بازستانند، دو چندان گردد!
A Glimpse into the Verse
In rough translation, these lines can be rendered as:
“Stealing a kiss is a wondrous theft, for if it is returned, its worth is doubled!”
This playful metaphor encapsulates the delightful irony and unexpected reward in an act that might otherwise be seen as mischievous. Here, a kiss—typically a symbol of love and intimacy—is portrayed as a kind of 'theft' that, when reciprocated, enriches both giver and receiver. It’s a celebration of the intangible treasures of affection, illustrating that even an act that seems cheeky at first glance can yield profound and amplified rewards.
Saeb Tabrizi: The Maestro of Persian Expression
Saeb Tabrizi, born in the early years of the second millennium Hijri Qamari, stands as a towering figure in Persian literature. Known for his mastery of the Hendi style, his verses are imbued with vivid imagery and a charm that resonates with both the learned and the common folk. His playful manipulation of language and metaphor has not only made his couplets timeless but also a source of inspiration for lovers of poetry around the world. His work reminds us that language is not merely a tool for communication, but an art form that can encapsulate complex emotions with surprising lightness and humor.
The Lyrical Magic of Persian
What makes Persian language so irresistible? It is its capacity to weave layers of meaning into a few short lines. The concept of a "stolen kiss" in Saeb Tabrizi’s verse is not an endorsement of mischief in the literal sense but rather an acknowledgment of the unpredictable ways in which love and affection operate. In Persian literature, everyday moments are often elevated into a realm of beauty and mystery, where even a seemingly small gesture holds the promise of unexpected abundance. This inherent duality—of lightheartedness paired with deep emotion—is what gives Persian poetry its distinctive allure.
Reflecting on Timeless Wisdom
The charm of Saeb Tabrizi’s verse lies in its invitation to view life’s little moments with a sense of playful wonder. It challenges us to reframe our perspective on love: to consider that sometimes what appears to be lost or stolen may, in fact, be the seed of something greater when returned in kind. For modern readers, especially those discovering the richness of Persian literature for the first time, these lines serve as a gentle reminder that beauty often resides in the unexpected.
Concluding Thoughts
Saeb Tabrizi’s poetry is a testament to the enduring sweetness of the Persian language—a language that has long served as a bridge between emotion and intellect. His clever turn of phrase in describing the “theft” of a kiss invites us to appreciate how love can transform a simple act into a gesture of double delight. As you explore more of Persian literature, you may find that every verse carries its own secret, waiting to be uncovered by a discerning heart.
In an age when we often seek depth and authenticity in fleeting moments, Saeb Tabrizi’s verse stands as a timeless reminder: sometimes, a little mischief can lead to the richest rewards.
