Rubaei 38 By Hafez Shirazi
آن جام طرب شکار بر دستم نهوان ساغر چون نگار بر دستم نه
آن می که چو زنجیر بپیچد بر خوددیوانه شدم بیار بر دستم نه
Description:
Literal Translation:
That cup that hunts joy, put in my hand,
That goblet, that is like a beloved, put in my hand.
That wine that coils around itself like a chain,
Bring me, I've gone mad, put int in my hand.
Analysis
This rubai by Hafez is a poignant expression of longing and despair. The poet is lamenting the absence of several things that bring him joy and comfort.
The Imagery of Hunting and Portrait: The images of a "hunter" and a "portrait" suggest a pursuit of pleasure and beauty. The absence of these things leaves the poet feeling empty and lost.
The Wine as a Metaphor: The wine is often used by Hafez as a metaphor for divine love or spiritual ecstasy. In this case, it represents a state of bliss that the poet yearns for.
The State of Madness: The poet declares that he has gone mad, suggesting the overwhelming nature of his longing.
Interpretation
The Unattainable: The objects of the poet's desire—the cup of joy, the beloved, and the intoxicating wine—seem to be unattainable. This creates a sense of longing and frustration.
The Search for Meaning: The poet's longing for these things suggests a deeper search for meaning and fulfillment.
The Power of Love and Loss: The rubai speaks to the power of love and loss. The absence of the beloved and the desired state of intoxication causes the poet great pain.
In essence, this rubai is a powerful expression of longing and despair. The poet's vivid imagery and emotional language convey a sense of deep yearning for something that is just out of reach.