These creatures, who from Time had birth,
Within his bosom at the end
Shall sleep; Time hath nor enemy nor friend.
All we in one long caravan
Are journeying since the world began;
We know not wither, but we know
Time guideth at the front, and all must go.
Like as the wind upon the field
Bows every herb, and all must yield,
So we beneath Time's passing breath
Bow each in turn, – why tears for birth or death ?
Bhartrihari (translated by Paul Elmer More)
This poem reflects on the concept of time and its universal
influence over all living beings. Here's an interpretation:
Time as the Root: Time is portrayed as the fundamental force
governing everything on Earth. It is the root from which all life springs
forth.
Unity in Journey: The poet describes life as a collective
journey, likening it to a caravan. Since the beginning of the world, all beings
have been on this journey together.
Uncertain Destination: While the journey is shared, its
destination remains unknown. Despite this uncertainty, time serves as the
guide, leading all forward.
Transient Nature of Life: The poem employs the metaphor of
wind bending the grass to illustrate the transient nature of life. Just as
grass yields to the wind, humans must yield to the passage of time.
Acceptance of Birth and Death: The final lines suggest a
sense of acceptance towards the inevitability of both birth and death. Tears
shed for these events are questioned, implying that they are natural parts of
the cycle guided by time.
Overall, the poem reflects on the timeless theme of the
transient nature of life and the inexorable passage of time, emphasizing
acceptance and humility in the face of this universal force.