Rubaei 28 By Hafez Shirazi
لب باز مگیر یک زمان از لب جامتا بستانی کام جهان از لب جام
در جام جهان چو تلخ و شیرین به هم استاین از لب یار خواه و آن از لب جام
Description:
Literal Translation:
Do not take your lips away from the lip of the cup,
So that you may fill the world's desire from the lip of the cup.
In the cup of the world, both bitterness and sweetness are mixed,
Seek this from your beloved's lips, and that from the lip of the cup.
Poetic and Interpretive Translation:
Never turn away from wine's sweet kiss,
For in its depths, earthly joys exist.
The world's cup holds both bitter and sweet,
Seek love from your beloved, and wine's retreat.
Analysis
This rubai by Hafez is a beautiful expression of the dualities of life and the pursuit of pleasure.
The Cup as a Metaphor: The cup is a common symbol in Persian poetry, often representing the world, life, or even the divine. In this case, it symbolizes the experiences and pleasures of life.
The Dualities of Life: Hafez highlights the idea that life is a mix of both sweet and bitter experiences. The "bitter" might represent the challenges and sorrows of life, while the "sweet" refers to the joys and pleasures.
The Beloved and the Wine: The beloved and the wine are often used as symbols in Persian poetry. The beloved represents spiritual love and divine connection, while wine symbolizes earthly pleasures.
Interpretation
A Balance of Life: Hafez suggests that to truly enjoy life, one must embrace both the sweet and the bitter. The experience of both is necessary for a complete understanding of the human condition.
The Pursuit of Pleasure: The poem encourages the reader to seek pleasure and enjoyment, whether it be through the company of a beloved or through the simple act of drinking wine.
The Spiritual Dimension: While the poem celebrates earthly pleasures, it also hints at a deeper spiritual meaning. The "cup of the world" could also represent the divine, and the act of drinking from it could symbolize a spiritual connection.