Poem #106
English Translation
Persian
May your body never need the doctor's art, Nor pain afflict your tender, gentle heart.
May your delicate self be safe from harm, Protected by a loving, unseen arm.
تَنَت به نازِ طبیبان نیازمند مباد
وجود نازکت آزردهٔ گزند مباد
The health of all the world depends on you, On your well-being, vibrant, strong, and true.
May no affliction touch your sacred frame, Nor sickness ever whisper your sweet name.
سلامتِ همه آفاق در سلامتِ توست
به هیچ عارضه شخصِ تو دردمند مباد
Beauty of form and spirit spring from health, Your safety is the world's most precious wealth.
May outer grace and inner light combine, And never may your radiant star decline.
جمالِ صورت و معنی ز امنِ صحتِ توست
که ظاهرت دُژَم و باطنت نَژَند مباد
When autumn comes to plunder and to thief, Stripping the garden of its green and leaf.
May it not touch the cypress, tall and free, Nor harm the stature that resembles thee.
در این چمن چو درآید خزان به یغمایی
رهش به سروِ سهی قامتِ بلند مباد
Where your beauty shines in full display, May no ill-wisher have a word to say.
Let critics silence their malignant tongue, And leave your praises evermore unsung.
در آن بساط که حُسن تو جلوه آغازد
مجالِ طعنهٔ بدبین و بدپسند مباد
Whoever looks on you with evil eye, May he upon your fire of beauty die.
Like incense burning on the glowing coal, May passion consume his envious soul.
هر آن که رویِ چو ماهت به چشمِ بد بیند
بر آتشِ تو به جز جانِ او سپند مباد
Seek healing from Hafez's sugared speech, A cure that lies within your easy reach.
No need for rosewater or medicine's art, When poetry can heal the wounded heart.
شفا ز گفتهٔ شِکَّرفِشانِ حافظ جوی
که حاجتت به عِلاجِ گلاب و قند مباد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem is a prayer for the beloved's health and protection. The verse about 'the health of all horizons' being 'in your health' is a striking statement about the beloved's importance. The observation that autumn's path to the beloved 'may it not be' is a beautiful protective wish. The verse about seeking cure from Hafez's 'sugar-scattering speech' is a confident statement. The poem's combination of protective wishes and devotion makes it engaging.
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