Rubaei 18 By Hafez Shirazi
Rubaei 18 By Hafez Shirazi
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ایّام شباب است شراب اولیٰتر
با سبزخَطان، بادهٔ ناب اولیٰتر
عالم همه سر به سر رباطیست خراب
در جای خراب هم خراب اولیٰتر
Description:
Literal Translation:
The wine of youth is preferable,
With green-robed ones, pure wine is better.
The world is entirely a ruined inn,
In a ruined place, ruin is better.
Poetic and Interpretive Translation:
The wine of youth, a joy that's pure and sweet,
With youthful friends, a perfect treat.
The world's a crumbling inn, a weary place,
In such a world, surrender to grace.
Analysis of the Rubai
This rubai by Hafez is a celebration of youth, pleasure, and the transient nature of life.
The Joys of Youth: The first two lines emphasize the pleasures of youth, particularly the enjoyment of wine and companionship. The "green-robed ones" likely refer to young, attractive companions.
The World as a Ruined Inn: The image of the world as a "ruined inn" is a common motif in Hafez's poetry. It suggests that the world is impermanent and full of suffering.
Embracing Impermanence: The final line, "In a ruined place, ruin is better," might seem paradoxical, but it suggests a kind of acceptance of the inevitable. In a world that is ultimately falling apart, it is better to surrender to the flow of life rather than resist it.
Interpretation
This rubai can be interpreted in several ways:
A Carpe Diem Philosophy: Hafez encourages readers to seize the day and enjoy the pleasures of youth while they can.
A Critique of Materialism: The image of the "ruined inn" suggests that worldly possessions and achievements are ultimately meaningless.
A Spiritual Interpretation: The "ruined inn" could symbolize the material world, and the "pure wine" could represent spiritual enlightenment. In this interpretation, the rubai suggests that true happiness is found in a connection to 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 attachments to the material world.