Rubaei 17 By Hafez Shirazi
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از چرخ به هر گونه همیدار امیدوز گردش روزگار میلرز چو بید
گفتی که پس از سیاه رنگی نبُوَدپس موی سیاه من چرا گشت سفید
Description:
Literal Translation:
From the celestial sphere, I always have hope,
But from the vicissitudes of time, I tremble like an aspen.
You said that after blackness, there is no color,
Then why has my black hair turned white?
Poetic and Interpretive Translation:
I cling to hope, though fate may seem unkind,
Yet time's relentless march disturbs my mind.
You promised colors after darkest night,
But why, then, has my hair turned pure white?
Analysis of the Rubai
This rubai by Hafez explores the themes of hope, time, and the inevitability of change.
Hope and Despair: The poet expresses a tension between hope and despair. While he clings to hope, the "vicissitudes of time" cause him to tremble. This reflects a universal human experience of both optimism and pessimism.
The Question of Time: The poet questions the nature of time and change. He alludes to the idea of a cycle, where darkness is followed by light. However, he finds himself perplexed by the aging process, symbolized by the whitening of his hair.
The Inevitability of Change: The rubai ultimately acknowledges the inevitability of change and the passage of time. The poet's hope, while enduring, is tempered by the realization that life is impermanent.
Interpretation
This rubai can be interpreted in several ways:
A Reflection on Aging: Most directly, the rubai can be seen as a reflection on the aging process and the accompanying physical changes.
A Philosophical Question: It can also be interpreted as a philosophical question about the nature of existence, the passage of time, and the human condition.
A Metaphor for Spiritual Journey: The "blackness" and "whiteness" could symbolize different stages of a spiritual journey, with the whitening of hair representing a transformation or awakening.
Overall, this rubai is a profound meditation on the passage of time and the human experience. Hafez captures the universal human experience of hope, fear, and the acceptance of change.