Rubaei 15 By Hafez Shirazi
با می به کنار جوی میباید بودوز غصّه کنارهجوی میباید بود
این مدّت عمر ما چو گل ده روز استخندان لب و تازهروی میباید بود
Description:
Literal Translation:
One should be by the stream with wine,
And far away from sorrow one should strive.
This period of our life, like a flower for ten days,
Should be with a smiling face and fresh complexion.
Poetic and Interpretive Translation:
Beside a stream, with wine, one should abide,
And sorrow's company should be denied.
Our lives, like blossoms, fleeting and sweet,
Should be filled with joy, from head to feet.
Analysis of the Rubai
This rubai by Hafez is a celebration of life, pleasure, and the ephemeral nature of existence.
The Invitation to Joy: The first two lines present a clear invitation to embrace the pleasures of life. The image of being "by the stream with wine" is a classic Persian motif symbolizing tranquility, pleasure, and the enjoyment of life.
The Ephemeral Nature of Life: The comparison of human life to a flower that lasts only ten days emphasizes the brevity of existence and the importance of living in the moment.
The Importance of Joy: The final line emphasizes the need to maintain a joyful and optimistic outlook on life.
Interpretation
This rubai can be interpreted in several ways:
A Carpe Diem Philosophy: Hafez encourages readers to seize the day and enjoy life's pleasures while they can, as life is short and uncertain.
A Critique of Materialism: The emphasis on simple pleasures, such as nature and wine, suggests that true happiness is not found in material possessions but in the enjoyment of the moment.
A Spiritual Interpretation: The image of the stream could symbolize spiritual enlightenment, and the wine could represent divine love. In this interpretation, the rubai suggests that true happiness is found in a connection with something greater than oneself.
Overall, this rubai is a beautiful and timeless expression of the human desire for joy and fulfillment. Hafez reminds us to savor the sweetness of life and to let go of worries and sorrows.