Poem #109
English Translation
Persian
Long has it been since my beloved sent, A word of greeting or a message meant.
No letter came to soothe my anxious mind, No sign of love, gentle and refined.
دیر است که دل‌دار پیامی نفرستاد
ننوشت سلامی و کلامی نفرستاد
A hundred letters I sent in my despair, To that king of riders, bright and fair.
But not a courier rode to bring reply, No greeting came to comfort or satisfy.
صد نامه فرستادم و آن شاهِ سواران
پیکی نَدوانید و سلامی نفرستاد
To me, the wild and reason-frightened one, No deer-like messenger has ever run.
No graceful partridge walked my lonely way, To turn my darkness into hopeful day.
سویِ منِ وحشی‌صفتِ عقل‌رمیده
آهو رَوشی، کبک خرامی نفرستاد
She knew my heart would fly from out my hand, A bird escaping to a distant land.
Yet from her tress, that chain of dark delight, She sent no snare to stop its sudden flight.
دانست که خواهد شُدنم مرغِ دل از دست
وز آن خطِ چون سلسله دامی نفرستاد
Alas, that Cupbearer with lips so sweet, Who sees the drunkard falling at her feet.
She knew I languished for the wine of grace, Yet sent no cup to cheer this lonely place.
فریاد که آن ساقیِ شِکَّر لبِ سرمست
دانست که مخمورم و جامی نفرستاد
Though I boasted of stations high and rare, Of miracles and powers beyond compare.
No news she sent of any spiritual state, Leaving me silent at the closed gate.
چندان که زدم لافِ کرامات و مقامات
هیچم خبر از هیچ مقامی نفرستاد
Hafez, be humble, ask not for your due, Demand no answer from the one so true.
If the King sends no word to the slave, Accept the silence, be strong and brave.
حافظ به ادب باش که واخواست نباشد
گر شاه پیامی به غلامی نفرستاد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem expresses longing for a message from the beloved. The repeated phrase 'naferestad' (she did not send) creates a rhythmic pattern of absence. The verse about the beloved knowing Hafez will become 'a bird of the heart from hand' and not sending 'a snare' is a poignant observation. The final verse's advice to 'be with courtesy' and not demand is a mature statement. The poem's theme of waiting and hoping for communication is universal and relatable.
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