Poem #114
English Translation
Persian
The bird of happiness will surely land
And fall deeply into our waiting hand. If you but pass upon our humble street, And make our station with your presence sweet.
همایِ اوجِ سعادت به دامِ ما افتد
اگر تو را گذری بر مقام ما افتد
Like bubbles rising in the wine's clear deep
I'll toss my cap, no sanity to keep. If your reflection falls into my cup, And lights the darkness of my spirit up.
حباب‌وار براندازم از نشاط کلاه
اگر ز رویِ تو عکسی به جامِ ما افتد
Perhaps the moon of wishes will arise
Ascending slowly in the darkened skies. And cast a beam of light upon our roof, Giving of fortune's favor final proof.
شبی که ماهِ مراد از افق شود طالع
بُوَد که پرتوِ نوری به بامِ ما افتد
Since wind itself can't enter in your court
How can my greetings reach to that high port? When will the chance for salutation come, And strike the speakers of your praises dumb?
به بارگاهِ تو چون باد را نباشد بار
کی اتفاقِ مجالِ سلامِ ما افتد؟
When I gave my soul to your lips so sweet
I thought a drop of water I would meet. A taste of purity to quench my thirst, Before the bubbles of my being burst.
چو جان فدای لبش شد خیال می‌بستم
که قطره‌ای ز زلالش به کامِ ما افتد
Your tress's phantom whispered in my ear
'Risk not your soul, hold life a little dear. For many birds are caught within this snare, And die of longing in the tangled hair.'
خیالِ زلفِ تو گفتا که جان وسیله مساز
کز این شکار، فراوان به دامِ ما افتد
Do not despair, but knock upon the door
And ask the heavens for a little more. Perhaps the lot of fortune will be cast, In our favor, and bring joy at last.
به ناامیدی از این در مرو، بزن فالی
بُوَد که قرعهٔ دولت به نامِ ما افتد
Whenever Hafez breathes your dusty air
The scent of gardens fills his soul with prayer. The breeze of paradise begins to blow, And makes the spirit's hidden garden grow.
ز خاکِ کوی تو هر گَه که دَم زند حافظ
نسیمِ گلشن جان در مشامِ ما افتد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem expresses hope for the beloved's visit. The verse about throwing the hat 'bubble-like' from joy if the beloved's reflection falls in the cup is a beautiful image. The observation that the wind has 'no burden' to carry greetings to the beloved's court is a poignant statement. The verse about the 'lot of fortune' falling to Hafez's name is hopeful. The poem's combination of hope and longing makes it engaging.
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