Rubaei 20 By Hafez Shirazi

By admin @admin | 5 2

سیلاب گرفت گِرد ویرانهٔ عمروآغاز پُری نهاد پیمانهٔ عمر


بیدار شو ای خواجه که خوش خوش بکِشدحمّال زمانه رخت از خانهٔ عمر


Description:

Literal Translation:

A flood has engulfed the ruins of life,
And begun to fill the cup of life.
Wake up, O master, for the porter of time
Will happily carry away your belongings from the house of life.

Poetic and Interpretive Translation:

Time's flood has swept through life's decay,
Filling the cup of days that ebb away.
Awake, dear friend, the hour is near,
When time will claim all that you hold dear.


admin
@admin Aug. 8, 2024, 6:16 p.m.

Analysis of the Rubai

This rubai by Hafez is a poignant meditation on the passage of time and the impermanence of life.

The Imagery of a Flood: The image of a flood sweeping through the "ruins of life" suggests the relentless passage of time and the destructive forces of nature.
The Cup of Life: The "cup of life" is a common metaphor in Persian poetry, symbolizing one's lifespan. The flood filling this cup suggests that life is drawing to a close.
The Porter of Time: The "porter of time" is a personification of time itself, relentlessly carrying away our possessions and experiences.
A Call to Awakening: The poet urges the reader to "wake up" and realize the fleeting nature of life.

admin
@admin Aug. 8, 2024, 6:17 p.m.

Interpretation

This rubai can be interpreted in several ways:

A Reminder of Mortality: The most direct interpretation is as a reminder of our mortality and the inevitability of death.
A Call to Spiritual Awakening: The "flood" and "porter of time" could symbolize the purification of the soul and the ultimate journey to the divine.
A Meditation on Time: The rubai can also be seen as a meditation on the nature of time and its impact on human life.

Overall, this rubai is a profound exploration of the human condition. Hafez uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the sense of urgency and the need for spiritual awareness.