Poem #103
English Translation
Persian
The days of union, when our hearts were one, Remember them, though now those days are done.
Let memory hold the time of love's sweet reign, Recall the joy, forget the present pain.
روز وصلِ دوستداران یاد باد
یاد باد آن روزگاران، یاد باد
My palate tastes the poison of despair, Since grief has filled the heavy, stagnant air.
Remember then the sound of wine poured out, The shouts of joy that put all gloom to rout.
کامم از تلخیِ غم چون زهر گشت
بانگِ نوشِ شادخواران یاد باد
Though friends may have forgotten who I am, And left me drifting like a lost lamb.
From me to them, a thousand greetings go, Remember love, and let the kindness flow.
گر چه یاران فارِغَند از یادِ من
از من ایشان را هزاران یاد باد
I fell into this trap, this web of woe, Where trials and tribulations ebb and flow.
Remember those who spoke the truth and tried, To guide me when my wayward spirit lied.
مبتلا گشتم در این بند و بلا
کوشش آن حق‌گزاران یاد باد
Though tears like rivers flow from my sad eyes, And sorrow's flood within my spirit rise.
Remember Zayandeh Rud, that living stream, Where gardens bloom and life is like a dream.
گر چه صد رود است در چشمم مُدام
زنده رودِ باغ‌ِ کاران یاد باد
The secret Hafez held remains unsaid, A mystery sleeping with the silent dead.
Alas for those who kept the secrets deep, Remember them, who now in silence sleep.
رازِ حافظ بعد از این ناگفته ماند
ای دریغا رازداران یاد باد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 6/10. This poem uses the repeated phrase 'yad bad' (may it be remembered) creating a prayer-like structure. The poem's theme of remembering past times and friends is accessible. The verse about the palate becoming 'like poison' from grief is a striking image. The observation that Hafez's secret 'remained untold' is poignant. The poem's structure as a series of remembrances is more appreciated by those familiar with Persian poetic conventions.