Quatrain 57 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi

Analysis:

This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi is a playful exploration of the conflict between spiritual pursuits and human desires. Let's break down the lines:

Line 1: در خرقهٔ توبه آمدم روزی چند

"For a few days, I came in the garb of repentance,"
The speaker is describing a period of spiritual seeking, wearing the garments of repentance.

Line 2: چشمم به دهان واعظ و گوش به پند

"My eyes fixed on the preacher's mouth, and my ears on his advice."
The speaker is actively listening to spiritual guidance.

Line 3: ناگاه بدیدم آن سهی سرو بلند

"Suddenly, I saw that slender cypress of beauty,"
A distraction arises in the form of a beautiful person, compared to a slender cypress tree.

Line 4: وز یاد برفتم سخن دانشمند

"And forgot the words of the wise man."
The sight of the beautiful person causes the speaker to forget their spiritual pursuits, demonstrating the power of human attraction.

Deeper Meaning:

This quatrain suggests that:

Human nature is complex: Even those seeking spiritual enlightenment can be tempted by worldly desires.
Love can be a distraction: The beauty of the beloved has completely distracted the speaker from their spiritual journey.
The conflict between the spiritual and the worldly: This quatrain highlights the ongoing battle between our spiritual aspirations and our earthly desires.

This quatrain is a humorous and insightful commentary on the human condition. It suggests that while we may strive for spiritual perfection, our earthly desires can often pull us away from our goals.