In Rumi's poem "Talking to the Luck-Bird," the speaker grapples with the concept of luck and happiness, rejecting superficial signs of fortune in favor of deeper, intrinsic values symbolized by jasmine. The luck-bird represents fleeting, external luck, which the speaker dismisses in the search for something more meaningful and pure.
This line in particular stood out to me: "... bird of good and bad circumstances," highlighting the dual nature of luck. Traditionally seen as a positive force bringing good fortune and happiness, Rumi reminds the reader of luck's downsides: its unpredictability, transience, and superficiality.
The sketch of the blue jay with a four-leaf clover (symbolizing luck) further explores this complex relationship. The surrealism of the image emphasizes the absurdity and potential downfalls in placing too much emphasis on luck. The clover replacing the head (symbolizing thought and reason) suggests that an over-reliance on luck can cloud judgment and common sense.