Poem #112
English Translation
Persian
He who gave your cheek the rose's hue
And painted narcissus in eyes so true. Can give me patience in my hour of pain, And bring peace to my troubled heart again.
آن که رخسارِ تو را رنگِ گل و نسرین داد
صبر و آرام توانَد به منِ مسکین داد
He who taught your tresses how to tease
And steal the hearts of lovers with such ease. Can grant His grace to one so sad as me, And set my spirit from its sorrow free.
وان که گیسویِ تو را رسمِ تَطاول آموخت
هم تواند کَرَمَش دادِ منِ غمگین داد
I gave up hope of love on that dark day
When Farhad gave his bleeding heart away. When Shirin's lip claimed all his soul's desire, And set his being on eternal fire.
من همان روز ز فرهاد طمع بُبریدم
که عنانِ دلِ شیدا به لبِ شیرین داد
If gold is gone, contentment's corner stays
A wealth that lasts through all our earthly days. He who gave crowns to kings on thrones of state, Gave this contentment to the beggar's fate.
گنجِ زر گر نَبُوَد، کُنجِ قناعت باقیست
آن که آن داد به شاهان، به گدایان این داد
The world is a bride, fair to the outer eye
Beautiful in form beneath the sky. But he who joins her, pays a heavy cost, His life the dowry, and his soul is lost.
خوش عروسیست جهان از رهِ صورت لیکن
هر که پیوست بدو، عمرِ خودش کاوین داد
From now, I hold the skirt of cypress trees
And sit by streams, enjoying the soft breeze. Especially now, when spring's glad tidings ring, And Farvardin brings news of the fresh spring.
بعد از این دستِ من و دامنِ سرو و لبِ جوی
خاصه اکنون که صبا مژده فروردین داد
In the hand of time, Hafez's heart bled dry
Under the turning of the ruthless sky. For separation from your face, O Friend, Brought grief that seemed to have no cure or end.
در کفِ غصه دوران، دلِ حافظ خون شد
از فراقِ رُخَت ای خواجه قوامُ الدین، داد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem contains references to Farhad and Shirin (a famous Persian love story) and Kay Kavus (a legendary king). The verse about the 'corner of contentment' remaining when the 'treasure of gold' is not is a profound statement about inner wealth. The reference to Farvardin (the first month of spring in the Persian calendar) adds cultural context. The poem's combination of legendary references and philosophical insight makes it engaging.