Rubaei 41 By Hafez Shirazi
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@hamed
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ای کاش که بخت، سازگاری کردیبا جور زمانه یار، یاری کردی
از دست جوانیام چو بِرْبود عنانپیری چو رکاب، پایداری کردی
Description:
Literal Translation:
Oh, if only fate had been harmonious,
And with the cruelty of time, been a companion.
When youth snatched the reins from my hand,
Old age, like a stirrup, had remained steady.
Poetic and Interpretive Translation:
I wish that fate had been kind to me,
A steadfast friend in time's cruelty.
When youth slipped through my grasp so fast,
Old age would've been a steady mast.
Analysis
This rubai by Hafez is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The poet expresses a wish for a different outcome, one where fate would have been more merciful.
The Passage of Time: The rubai is deeply concerned with the passage of time and the changes it brings.
The Inevitability of Fate: The poet recognizes the power of fate and its role in shaping one's life.
The Contrast of Youth and Age: The contrast between youth and old age is a common theme in Persian poetry, and Hafez uses it to express his regrets and longing for the past.
Interpretation
A Lament for Lost Youth: The poet is clearly lamenting the loss of youth and the vitality that comes with it.
A Desire for Stability: The image of old age as a "steady stirrup" suggests a longing for stability and security.
A Reflection on Mortality: The rubai is a meditation on the human condition and the inevitability of death.
In essence, this rubai is a poignant expression of the universal human experience of aging and loss. The poet's wish for a different outcome highlights the human desire for control over life's circumstances.