What secret lies in this soil
that still
the tulips and poppies
weep
the carnations and purple trees
sing songs
and the burning red flowers
hidden from the gardener's gaze
?fall in love
What secret lies in this soil
that still
Rudabeh
behind the window of her gaze
braids her hair
?with the white jasmine flowers
Manijeh
claws at her face
and Shirin
on the rooftop
listens to a mourning dove
wailing from afar
on a nameless stone
while the gypsy girl
recites love stories
by heart
for Layla
What secret lies in this soil
that still
the migrating swallows
paint their nests
with the colors of its fields
and lay out love
on a table of Haft-Sin
as wide as the lump in their throat
?that silently weeps
What secret lies in this soil
that still
Sohrab
among the palm and jujube trees
waits for an antidote
resting with olive leaves
? orange blossoms
The old blacksmiths
by the oak forest
seek the footprints of Kaveh
and familiar birds
await the spring migration
?What secret lies in this soil
Arsalan- Tehran
25-02-1391
In the poem "Soil" by Arsalan Mohammadi, several characters from Persian mythology and literature are introduced. These figures carry deep symbolic meanings tied to themes of love, heroism, and tragedy in Iranian culture. Here's a brief overview of each character mentioned
Rudabeh
Rudabeh is a prominent female character from the *Shahnameh* (The Book of Kings) by Ferdowsi, one of the central epics of Persian literature. She is known for her beauty, wisdom, and her deep love for Zal, a legendary hero. Their love story is a tale of passion and struggle, as they come from opposing backgrounds, but their union leads to the birth of the great Persian hero, Rostam
Manijeh
Manijeh is another character from the *Shahnameh*. She is the daughter of Afrasiab, the king of Turan, and is known for her tragic love affair with Bijan, a Persian hero. Their love story is filled with hardship, as Bijan is imprisoned by Afrasiab, and Manijeh defies her father by caring for Bijan in secret, sacrificing her status and well-being for love
Shirin
Shirin is the heroine of one of the most famous love stories in Persian literature, *Khosrow and Shirin*, by the poet Nezami. Shirin is an Armenian princess, and her love for the Sassanian king Khosrow Parviz is a tale of romance, loyalty, and sacrifice. Shirin is often depicted as a symbol of pure love and beauty, and her tragic fate enhances the emotional depth of the narrative
Layla
Layla is a central figure in the *Layla and Majnun* story, a classic Persian love tale famously retold by Nezami. Layla’s love for Qays (later known as Majnun, meaning "the madman") is deep and profound, but societal constraints keep them apart. Their story is one of unfulfilled love, where Majnun loses his mind in his longing for Layla, symbolizing the intensity of divine and unattainable love
Sohrab
Sohrab is another tragic hero from the *Shahnameh*. He is the son of Rostam, the greatest Persian hero, but their story is marked by sorrow, as Rostam unknowingly kills his own son in battle. Sohrab symbolizes youthful heroism, but also the devastating consequences of fate and misunderstanding. His death is one of the most heart-wrenching episodes in Persian literature
Kaveh
Kaveh the Blacksmith is a symbol of resistance and revolt against tyranny in Persian mythology. He led a popular uprising against the cruel ruler Zahhak and helped establish the just king Fereydun. Kaveh's story is iconic in Persian culture as a symbol of courage, justice, and the fight for freedom
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Symbolism in the Poem
Each of these characters in the poem represents different aspects of love, tragedy, and resistance. By invoking them, the poet reflects on Iran's rich cultural heritage and connects the emotional depth of these legendary figures to the mysteries and struggles rooted in the "soil" (land and history) of the country. The poem suggests that the land holds the secrets of its people’s enduring love, pain, and resilience, mirrored in the lives of these mythological and literary characters
The poem "Soil" by Arsalan Mohammadi delves into the mysteries of the earth, exploring themes of love, history, memory, and struggle that are deeply intertwined with the Iranian cultural and natural landscape. It is a reflection on the secrets buried in the soil, both literal and metaphorical, that continue to shape life, identity, and emotions in Iran
What the Poem is Saying
The Secrets of the Land (Soil): The poem repeatedly asks, "What secret lies in this soil?" This central question suggests that the land itself is a keeper of untold stories and hidden truths. The soil symbolizes more than just the physical earth; it represents history, culture, love, and struggle that are deeply rooted in the Iranian experience
Love and Nature: The poem connects the natural elements—flowers, trees, birds—with love and human emotions. The flowers weep, the trees sing, and the red flowers fall in love. These are metaphors for the ongoing emotional undercurrents in the land, where beauty and sorrow coexist, hidden from plain sight. Nature becomes a living witness to the loves, longings, and pains that exist within the people tied to the land
Historical and Cultural Continuity: Through references to legendary figures such as Rudabeh, Manijeh, Shirin, Sohrab, and Kaveh, the poem ties personal emotions to the larger historical and cultural struggles of Iran. These characters symbolize timeless themes of love, sacrifice, heroism, and resistance. The poem suggests that the same forces that moved these ancient figures still reside in the soil, affecting life today
Struggle and Resistance: The references to Kaveh the Blacksmith, a symbol of resistance against tyranny, and Sohrab, who tragically awaited rescue, reflect a deeper, historical narrative of struggle. These characters embody the fight for justice, freedom, and the sorrow of unfulfilled hopes, resonating with Iran’s long history of political and social turmoil
Hope and Longing: The migrating swallows, the weeping flowers, and the figures of Persian mythology are all portrayed as waiting, longing, or hoping for something unattainable—a recurring theme of delayed justice, lost love, and unhealed wounds. The sense of waiting, whether it’s Sohrab waiting for an antidote or the birds waiting for migration, conveys a universal human experience of longing for change or fulfillment
How the Poem Conveys These Themes
Repetition and Rhythm: The repetition of the question, "What secret lies in this soil?" creates a reflective, almost meditative tone. This refrain serves as a grounding point for the poem, creating a rhythm that mirrors the ongoing, eternal nature of the questions it raises. The repetition also emphasizes the idea that the answers to life’s mysteries remain hidden beneath the surface
Imagery and Metaphor: The poet uses rich imagery of nature—flowers, birds, trees, and the earth itself—as metaphors for love, struggle, and memory. The natural elements are anthropomorphized: flowers weep, trees sing, and birds paint their nests, creating a world where nature is deeply connected to human emotions and histories
Cultural References: By invoking figures like Rudabeh, Manijeh, Shirin, Sohrab, and Kaveh, the poem links the personal and emotional with Iran’s deep cultural history. These characters are not just symbols; they are active participants in the land’s secrets, representing timeless aspects of human experience—love, pain, resistance, and tragedy. This blending of personal and mythological history adds depth and universality to the poem's message
Tone and Atmosphere: The tone of the poem is one of quiet reflection, mixed with a sense of mystery and melancholy. While there is beauty in the imagery, there is also a profound sadness—whether it's the weeping poppies or Sohrab's unfulfilled fate. This atmosphere of longing permeates the poem, reinforcing the idea that the secrets of the soil involve both joy and sorrow, hope and despair
Summary of Meaning
In essence, the poem "Soil" is a meditation on the secrets that lie buried in the land, shaped by centuries of history, culture, love, and struggle. The soil, as a metaphor for the Iranian experience, holds the memories of legendary figures and reflects the emotional landscape of its people. The repetition of the question, the rich imagery, and the mythological references create a layered, poignant reflection on the enduring mysteries of life and history
The poem conveys that the past and present are inseparably intertwined, with the land (soil) acting as the silent witness to all the love, loss, and resistance that continue to define the people connected to it
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