Madhushala - Rubaiya 2

I got some feedback after I published my post on Rubaiya 1. Each of them sought to remind me that the words "haala", "pyala", "saaki" and "madhushala" were symbols of something else, like, life, or knowledge, or whatever.



Of course they are, but to my mind, that is not the point. Poetry must be felt, first. You have to get into the mood of the verse. You have to let the words sink in, and let the meter dance for you. When that has happened, the symbolism will become obvious anyway, but you'll have also gained a lot more than just understanding the poem intellectually.



Rubaiya 2

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Pyaas tujhe to, vishwa tapaakar

poorna nikaaloonga haala,

ek paon se saaki bankar

naachoonga lekar pyaala;

jeevan ki madhuta to tere

upar kab kaa vaar chukaa

aaj nichhaavar kar doonga main

tujh par jag ki madhushaala



This is a very ambitious verse. Bachchan tells his reader that if he is willing to listen, then he'll distill the wisdom of the world and give him that truth. He promises to be entertaining and comprehensive at the same time.



Bachchan is clear at the very outset that this no ordinary poem. He is clear in his intent: he is going for the big one - he is going to talk about the meaning of life, and he's not going to be wary of trying to answer complex questions.



As readers, we can be sure that we are going to be served a feast; we look forward to the rest of the poem with bated breath; we expect to be sated; we expect to find the answers to all the questions of life. There are no half-measures here.