Quatrain 96 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
By
@hamed
|
8
5
هر سروقدی که بگذرد در نظرمدر هیأت او خیره بماند بصرم
چون چشم ندارم که جوان گردم بازآخر کم از آنکه در جوانان نگرم
Description:
English Translation:
Literal:
"Every slender figure that passes before my eyes,
my sight becomes fixed on its form.
Since I cannot become young again,
I at least can look at the young."
Poetic:
"Each graceful form that catches my old eye,
I gaze upon, as moments quickly fly.
Since youth's sweet bloom I cannot recapture more,
I feast my eyes on beauty evermore."
Analysis
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi expresses a universal human sentiment: the appreciation of beauty and the yearning for youth.
Age and Beauty: The poet acknowledges the passage of time and the physical changes associated with aging.
Visual Pleasure: Despite the aging process, the poet finds joy in observing the beauty of youth. The eyes, in this case, are not just physical organs but also represent a window to the soul and a means of experiencing the world.
Acceptance of Aging: While the poet laments the loss of youth, they also accept the inevitability of aging. The final line suggests a contentedness in finding beauty in the world, even if it's through the eyes of an observer.
Deeper Meaning
This quatrain explores themes of aging, beauty, and the human condition. The poet's acceptance of aging, coupled with his continued appreciation for beauty, suggests a deep wisdom and a sense of contentment.
Key Themes:
The passage of time: The quatrain acknowledges the inevitability of aging.
Appreciation of beauty: The poet finds joy in observing the beauty of the world.
Acceptance: The poet accepts the aging process while still finding pleasure in life.
This quatrain is a reflection on the human experience. It captures the universal desire for beauty and youth, while also acknowledging the inevitability of aging. Saadi's masterful use of imagery and metaphor creates a timeless and relatable poem.