Rubaei 20 By Hafez Shirazi
سیلاب گرفت گِرد ویرانهٔ عمر
وآغاز پُری نهاد پیمانهٔ عمر
بیدار شو ای خواجه که خوش خوش بکِشد
حمّال 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.
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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.
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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.