The Poetic Heartbeat of 'The Shape of Water': Unveiling the Origins and Poetic Tradition

With the release of Wes Anderson's visually stunning film, 'The Shape of Water,' one thematic thread that captivates viewers is the profound use of poetry. A poignant line from a Persian poem is cited, evoking a sense of wonder and spiritual connection. This essay delves into the origins of these evocative verses, their place within ancient poetic traditions, and the significance of proper attribution in appreciating such poetic masterpieces.

Origins of the Poetic Line in 'The Shape of Water'

The specific lines you've mentioned are attributed to a contemporary poet, but their sentiment aligns beautifully with the rich traditions of Persian and Arabic poetry that often explore themes of love, longing, and the divine. The line, 'Unable to perceive the shape of you I find you all around me. Your presence fills my eyes with your love. It humbles my heart. For you are everywhere,' encapsulates a profound emotional depth and spiritual resonance that speaks to the viewer's heart.

Attribution and Cultural Appreciation

The sentiment and imagery in these lines resonate deeply with the work of Hakim Abul-Majd Majdūd ibn ādam Sanāī, a 12th-century Persian poet. His poem, 'Unable to discern the form of You I see Your presence all around,' translates the essence of the poetic sentiment even more poignantly. Sanai's influence extends far beyond his own time, inspiring even contemporary filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro, who posted this excerpt on his Twitter feed.

The poem, 'Unable to discern the form of You I see Your presence all around,' originates from 'The Book of Everything: Journey of the Heart’s Desire Hakim Sanai's Walled Garden of the Truth,' translated by Priya Hemenway. This work seeks to evoke the spiritual and emotional depth of Sanai's poetry, bringing it to a wider audience.

Sanai: A Pioneer in Persian Poetry

Hakim Abul-Majd Majdūd ibn ādam Sanāī Ghaznavi was a Persian poet who lived in Ghazni between the 11th and 12th centuries. Born in what is now Afghanistan, he spent a significant portion of his life in what is now Iran and Persia. Sanai’s literary works were not only admired within his lifetime but continue to influence poets, scholars, and filmmakers today.

Sanai's great work, 'The Walled Garden of Truth' or 'The Hadiqat al Haqiqa,' has had a lasting impact on the world of poetry. His writings are known for their profound explorations of mystical and spiritual themes, much like the lines cited from 'The Shape of Water.' Sanai is recognized for his spiritual insights and how he brought these to life through his poetic language.

One notable aspect of Sanai's poetry is its exploration of love and devotion, often viewed through a lens of spiritual longing. His poetic voice is similar to that of Rumi, another famous Persian poet, who explicitly acknowledged Sanai as one of his two primary inspirations along with Attar. Rumi's deep appreciation for Sanai speaks to the latter's enduring legacy in the world of Persian poetry.

Current Interest in Persian Poetry

It is gratifying to see that the works of Persian poets, such as Sanai, are now attracting the interest they deserve. The messages conveyed in their poetry are deeply significant, speaking to universal themes of love, longing, and the pursuit of spiritual truth. However, it is crucial that those who reference these works do so with proper attribution and respect.

While it might be tempting to reference poetic lines without providing their origins, the integrity of the source and the poet must be maintained. For instance, the lines from 'The Shape of Water' were used in a high-profile project, yet the precise source was not always clearly indicated. A more accurate citation would have been, 'Unable to discern the form of You I see Your presence all around,' from 'The Book of Everything: Journey of the Heart’s Desire Hakim Sanai's Walled Garden of the Truth.' This attribution honors both the poet and the work.

Conclusion

The poetic lines from 'The Shape of Water' echo the profound sentiments found in the works of Hakim Sanai. His poetry, like that of many Persian poets, evokes a sense of spiritual connection and profound emotional depth. It is essential that as we engage with and appreciate these works, we also ensure that their sources and the poets behind them are properly acknowledged and respected. Through such practice, we honor the rich traditions of Persian and Arabic poetry, allowing their beauty and wisdom to continue influencing filmmakers and poetry lovers for generations to come.

Additional Resources

To learn more about the origins and significance of the poem in 'The Shape of Water,' visit the Library of Congress for a detailed description. It showcases the lengths scholars and enthusiasts go to trace the sources of Persian poetry. For a deeper dive into the poetry of Sanai, consider reading 'The Walled Garden of Truth' or other works by Hakim Sanai.