Poem #105
English Translation
Persian
If the Sufi drinks wine in measure due, May it be sweet, a nectar pure and true.
If not, may thoughts of this be cast aside, And in forgetfulness his error hide.
صوفی ار باده به اندازه خورَد نوشش باد
ور نه اندیشهٔ این کار فراموشش باد
He who can give a single draught of wine, May his hand hold the cup of love divine.
And in his arms, may the beloved be, Embodied purpose, wild and ever free.
آن که یک جرعه مِی از دست توانَد دادن
دست با شاهدِ مقصود در آغوشش باد
Our Elder said, 'Creation knows no flaw, The pen moved perfect by a hidden law.'
Blessings upon his pure and sightful eyes, Who sees no error in the earth or skies.
پیرِ ما گفت خطا بر قلم صُنع نرفت
آفرین بر نظرِ پاکِ خطاپوشَش باد
The King of Turks listens to rivals' speech, While justice seems beyond the sufferer's reach.
May shame for Siyavush's blood arise, And bring the truth before his royal eyes.
شاهِ تُرکان، سخنِ مدعیان می‌شِنَوَد
شرمی از مَظلَمِهٔ خونِ سیاوشش باد
Though in his pride he spoke no word to me, A humble dervish in his poverty.
My soul is ransom for that silent sweet, That pistachio mouth where love and silence meet.
گر چه از کِبر، سخن با منِ درویش نگفت
جان فدایِ شِکَرین‌پستهٔ خاموشش باد
My eyes are mirrors for his mole and line, Reflecting beauty that is half divine.
May my lips touch his shoulder and his face, And steal a kiss from that enchanted place.
چشمم از آینه‌دارانِ خط و خالش گشت
لبم از بوسه‌رُبایانِ بَر و دوشش باد
His drunk narcissus eyes, with gentle art, Caress the soul and capture every heart.
If he should drink the lover's blood like wine, May it be lawful, sacred, and divine.
نرگسِ مست نوازش‌کُنِ مردم‌دارَش
خونِ عاشق به قدح گر بِخورد نوشش باد
Hafez became famous for serving thee, A slave to love in all humility.
May the ring of your tress be in his ear, A badge of servitude he holds so dear.
به غلامیِ تو مشهورِ جهان شد حافظ
حلقهٔ بندگیِ زلفِ تو در گوشش باد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem contains references to Siyavush (a tragic figure from Persian legend) and appears to address a Turkish king. The verse about the Sufi drinking wine 'in measure' is a statement about moderation. The observation that 'error on the pen of creation did not go' is a profound statement about divine perfection. The verse about Hafez becoming 'famous in the world' for servitude to the beloved is a confident statement. The poem's combination of cultural references and personal expression makes it engaging.
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