Let’s craft a hypothetical poem inspired by Saadi Shirazi’s style, reflecting his timeless wisdom applied to a modern figure like Donald Trump. This will include both the Persian original (as imagined) and an English translation. Saadi’s tone is often moralistic and reflective, so it will highlight themes of leadership, humility, and the nature of power.
Hypothetical Persian Poem:
ای پادشهی که دعویِ ملک و بزرگی کنی
بنگر که از این جهان چه کسی جاودانه شد؟
گنجِ طمع به هیچ، ز خاکِ وجود نیفزاید
عاقبتِ طمع‌کاران جز خسران، چه معنا شد؟
شیر، اگر تو باشی، یا روباهی درنده‌خو
فرجامِ ظلم در زمین، جز رسوایی کجا شد؟
بیدادگری، اگر تاج و تخت به دست آورد
عاقبت، ز مردمان جز نفرین چه بهره شد؟
ملکِ زمین برای تو، حکمِ امانتی است
بی‌اعتبار، چو ابرِ بهاری گذر کند
با مردمِ ضعیف، مدارا کن ای عزیز
چون سایه‌ات به زیرِ زمین درنگ کند.
English Translation:
O king, who boasts of power and majesty,
Look and see—who has ever been eternal in this world?
The treasure of greed adds nothing to the soil of existence,
And what meaning but loss have the ends of the covetous?
Whether you are a lion or a cunning fox,
The fate of tyranny is nothing but disgrace.
Oppression, though it may build thrones and crowns,
In the end, earns only curses from the people.
The realm of the earth is but a trust in your hands,
Fleeting, like the clouds of spring that swiftly pass.
Treat the weak with kindness, O noble one,
For soon your shadow shall linger beneath the earth.
Context:
If Saadi Shirazi were to reflect on Donald Trump, he might focus on themes like the transient nature of wealth and power, the dangers of arrogance and greed, and the moral responsibility of leaders to serve their people. Saadi’s works often remind us that the legacy of a ruler is determined by their justice and humility, not their wealth or fame.
