Rubaei 3 By Hafez Shirazi
گفتم که لبت، گفت لبم آب حیاتگفتم دهنت، گفت زهی حبّ نبات
گفتم سخن تو، گفت حافظ گفتاشادیِ همه لطیفهگویان صلوات
Description:
Literal Translation:
I said, "Your lip," it said, "My lip is the water of life."
I said, "Your mouth," it said, "Oh, what a sweet candy."
I said, "Your speech," it said, "Hafez said,"
"Blessings on all the witty speakers."
Poetic and Interpretive Translation:
"Your lips," I said, "are life's elixir, sweet,"
"Your mouth," I sighed, "a sugary treat."
"Your words," I mused, "they echo Hafez's art,"
"A toast to all who play on the heart."
Analysis of the Rubai:
This rubai is a beautiful example of Hafez's playful and mystical style. Here's a breakdown of the key themes:
A dialogue with the beloved: Hafez creates a dialogue between himself and his beloved, where their words echo and complement each other.
The beloved as a source of life and pleasure: The beloved's lips are compared to the "water of life" (آب حیات), a symbol of spiritual nourishment and immortality. Their mouth is likened to a "sweet candy" (حبّ نبات), suggesting a delightful and pleasurable experience.
Hafez's self-reference and the power of words: The poet playfully includes himself in the dialogue, emphasizing the power of words and the beauty of poetic expression.
A toast to wit: The final line is a playful toast to all those who possess wit and eloquence, suggesting that the beloved's words are among the most delightful and inspiring.
Interpretation:
This rubai can be interpreted on multiple levels. On a literal level, it's a love poem expressing deep admiration for the beloved's beauty and charm. On a more mystical level, it can be seen as a celebration of divine love, where the beloved represents a higher spiritual reality. The dialogue between the poet and the beloved mirrors the spiritual journey of seeking union with the divine.
In essence, this rubai is a celebration of love, beauty, and the power of language. Hafez uses vivid imagery and playful wordplay to convey the depth of his feelings and the joy he finds in his beloved's presence.