Quatrain 85 from Rubaiyat of Rumi
ای آنکه تو دیر آمدهای در کتابگر بشتابند کودکان تو مشتاب
گر مانده شدند قوم و از دست شدنداین دست تو است زود برگیر رباب
Description:
English Translation of the Quatrain
O you who have come late to the book,
If the children hasten, do not hasten.
If the people have remained behind and been lost,
This hand of yours is quick, quickly take up the reed flute.
Analysis of the Quatrains
The Latecomer: The poet addresses someone who has come to spiritual understanding later in life.
The Pace of Life: The "children" and "people" symbolize those who have already embarked on the spiritual journey or have been lost along the way.
The Call to Action: The "reed flute" symbolizes spiritual music and the call to spiritual awakening.
Deeper Meanings
This quatrain, like much of Rumi's poetry, can be interpreted on multiple levels:
The Journey of the Soul: The poem can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey, with the "book" representing divine knowledge.
The Urgency of Spiritual Seeking: The poet emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual enlightenment while there is still time.
The Power of Music: The "reed flute" symbolizes the power of spiritual music to awaken the soul.