Quatrain 22 from Rubaiyat of Rumi
ای دریا دل تو گوهر و مرجان رادرباز که راه نیست کم خرجان را
تن همچو صدف دهان گشاده است که آهمن کی گنجم چو ره نشد مرجان را
Description:
English Translation of the Quatrain
O sea of my heart, filled with pearls and coral,
Open your gate, for those with little wealth.
Your body, like an oyster, opens its mouth to sigh,
How can I be a treasure if the way is closed to the coral?
Analysis of the Quatrains
The Heart as a Sea: The heart is compared to a vast sea, filled with precious treasures like pearls and coral. This is a common metaphor in Persian poetry, symbolizing depth, emotion, and spiritual riches.
The Closed Gate: The image of a closed gate suggests a barrier or obstacle preventing access to the heart's treasures.
The Oyster and the Sigh: The comparison of the body to an oyster, opening its mouth to sigh, emphasizes a sense of longing or despair.
The Treasure and the Coral: The coral, as a precious gem found in the sea, symbolizes the heart's spiritual riches. The final line poses a question: How can the heart be a treasure if it cannot share its wealth?