Rubaei 32 By Hafez Shirazi
Rubaei 32 By Hafez Shirazi
By
@hamed
چون باده ز غم چه بایَدَت جوشیدن
با لشگر غم چه بایدت کوشیدن
سبز است لبت، ساغر از او دور مدار
می بر لب سبزه، خوش بوَد نوشیدن
Description:
Literal Translation:
Why should wine boil from sorrow?
Why should you struggle with the army of sorrow?
Your lips are green, don't keep the cup away from them.
Wine on green lips is a pleasant drink.
Poetic and Interpretive Translation:
Why let sorrow stir your wine?
Why fight a losing battle with despair?
Your lips are as fresh as spring, so why deny them wine?
A sip from that green cup would be divine.
Analysis
This rubai by Hafez is an invitation to embrace life's pleasures and to find solace in the face of sorrow.
The Imagery of Wine and Lips: The image of wine on green lips is a classic symbol of pleasure and sensuality in Persian poetry. The green color of the lips often symbolizes youth and vitality.
The Advice to Embrace Pleasure: Hafez suggests that instead of dwelling on sorrow, one should seek pleasure and enjoyment. The wine, in this context, symbolizes any kind of pleasure or joy.
The Futility of Fighting Sorrow: The poet argues that it is futile to fight against sorrow. Instead, one should find ways to coexist with it.
Interpretation
Carpe Diem: The rubai can be seen as an expression of the carpe diem philosophy - seize the day. It encourages the reader to live in the moment and to enjoy life's pleasures.
The Healing Power of Pleasure: The image of wine suggests that pleasure can be a form of healing. It can help to alleviate the pain of sorrow and bring joy into one's life.
The Beauty of Life: The rubai ultimately celebrates the beauty of life and the importance of finding joy in the midst of sorrow.
In essence, this rubai is a call to embrace life's pleasures and to find beauty in even the most difficult of circumstances. Hafez's poetic imagery and wise advice offer a timeless message of hope and resilience.