Quatrain 114 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
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@hamed
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18
2
مرغی دیدم نشسته بر باره طوسدر پیش نهاده کله کیکاووس
با کله همیگفت که افسوس افسوسکو بانگ جرسها و کجا ناله کوس؟
Description:
A Note on the Rubai and Translation
This rubai presents a unique and intriguing image, with a bird perched on the tomb of a legendary Persian king, musing on the transience of power and glory.
The image of a bird perched on the tomb of Kay Kavus, a legendary Persian king, offers a powerful symbol of the impermanence of human life and power. The bird's lament for the past glory and grandeur of the king highlights the theme of the transience of all things.
English Translation:
I saw a bird perched on the tomb of Kay Kavus,
Before it lay the king's severed head.
With the head it spoke, lamenting, alas, alas,
Where are the sounds of bells and the cries of the drums?
Analysis of the Rubai
This quatrain offers a profound meditation on the passage of time and the impermanence of human power and glory.
Symbolism of the bird: The bird, often seen as a symbol of freedom and the soul, is here portrayed as a wise observer of the human condition.
The transience of power: The image of Kay Kavus's severed head, a symbol of his former power and glory, underscores the theme of the impermanence of human life.
The lament for the past: The bird's lament for the sounds of bells and drums is a symbolic expression of mourning for the past and the loss of a great civilization.
In essence, this rubai is a stark reminder that even the most powerful and influential figures are ultimately subject to the passage of time.
Deeper Meanings and Interpretations
The cycle of life and death: The image of the bird perched on the tomb connects to the cyclical nature of life and death.
The vanity of human ambition: The poem suggests that all human endeavors and achievements are ultimately meaningless in the face of time.
The search for meaning: The bird's lament can be seen as a search for meaning in a world where everything is transient.