Poem #110

In old age, the love of youth returns, A fire that in the winter season burns.

The secret I had hidden in my heart, Now falls away, and all defenses part.

Through the eyes, the bird of heart took flight, Soaring upward to the realms of light.

O eye, behold the snare where it has fell, Caught in a beauty that no tongue can tell.

Alas, that musk-deer with the eyes of night, Has filled my liver with a dark blight.

Like a musk-pod, my heart bleeds deep within, Paying the price for love's sweet, ancient sin.

Every scent that the morning breeze conveys, Is dust from where my beloved stays.

The fragrance wandering on the early air, Was gathered from the street where she is fair.

Since your eyelashes drew the sword of war, To conquer worlds and spread your fame afar.

How many lovers, slain but living still, Have fallen victim to your sovereign will.

We've tested fate in this house of pain, Where deeds recoil and strike us back again.

Who struggles with the dregs-drinkers will find, He falls and leaves his arrogance behind.

The black stone cannot turn to ruby red, Even if for it the heart's blood is shed.

Bad nature remains what it began, No alchemy can change the soul of man.

Hafez, who once avoided idols' hair, And kept his hands from tangles of despair.

Now finds a rival strange and fierce to face, And falls headlong into the wild embrace.