Quatrain 23 from Rubaiyat of Rumi
ای دل بچه زهره خواستی یاری راکو کرد هلاک چون تو بسیاری را
دل گفت که تا شوم همه یکتائیاین خواستم از بهر همین کاری را
Description:
English Translation of the Quatrain
O heart, a child of Venus, seeking a companion,
Who has destroyed many like you.
The heart said, "To become a unique one,"
That was why I asked for this task.
Analysis of the Quatrains
The Heart as a Child of Venus: This is a poetic personification. Venus, in many cultures, is associated with love and beauty. The heart, being a symbol of love and emotion, is likened to a child of Venus.
Seeking a Companion: The heart is searching for a companion, perhaps a lover or a spiritual guide.
The Heart's Destruction: The heart acknowledges that its desire for companionship has led to the destruction of many others. This could be a metaphorical representation of the heart's longing causing pain or turmoil.
The Desire for Uniqueness: The heart's ultimate goal is to become unique or singular. This could be interpreted as a desire for spiritual enlightenment or a state of oneness with the divine.
Deeper Meanings
This quatrain, like much of Rumi's poetry, can be interpreted on multiple levels:
The Pain of Love: The heart's desire for companionship can lead to both joy and pain. The image of destruction suggests the intensity of love and the potential for heartbreak.
The Spiritual Journey: The desire to become unique can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey, where the soul seeks to transcend its individual identity and become one with the divine.
The Paradox of Desire: The heart's desires can often lead to suffering, yet it continues to seek them. This paradox is a common theme in Rumi's poetry.