Poem #116
English Translation
Persian
He who holds the Friend's beauty in his eyes
Has found the truth beneath the changing skies. His vision bears the fruit of insight deep, A harvest that the wakeful soul shall reap.
کسی که حُسن و خَطِ دوست در نظر دارد
محقَق است که او حاصل بصر دارد
Like a reed pen, we bow to His command
Obedient instruments within His hand. We lay our heads upon the path He chose, Unless His sword decides to end our woes.
چو خامه در رهِ فرمانِ او، سرِ طاعت نهاده‌ایم
مگر او به تیغ بردارد
Who finds a lover like the candle's flame
Consumed by fire, without a fear or shame? Under your sword, a new head grows each day, To love again in passion's reckless way.
کسی به وصلِ تو چون شمع یافت پروانه
که زیرِ تیغِ تو هر دم سری دگر دارد
He alone can kiss your feet with grace
Who lays his head upon this holy place. Like a threshold, humble at the door, Seeking nothing, wanting nothing more.
به پای‌بوس تو دستِ کسی رسید که او
چو آستانه بدین در، همیشه سر دارد
I tire of dry ascetics and their talk
In paths of wine and madness let me walk. The scent of wine keeps my spirit wet, A fragrance that I never can forget.
ز زهدِ خشک ملولم، کجاست بادهٔ ناب؟
که بویِ باده مدامم دماغ تر دارد
If wine gives nothing else, is this not gain?
To free the mind from intellect's cold chain? A moment's respite from the thoughts that bind, Leaving the worries of the world behind.
ز باده هیچت اگر نیست، این نه بس که تو را
دمی ز وسوسهٔ عقل بی‌خبر دارد؟
He who never stepped from virtue's way
Now travels to the tavern, blithe and gay. The path of piety is left behind, A new destination in his mind.
کسی که از رهِ تقوا قدم برون ننهاد
به عزمِ میکده اکنون رهِ سفر دارد
Hafez's broken heart will turn to dust
Bearing the mark of love, as all men must. Like the tulip with its heart of black, He carries scars upon the lover's track.
دل‌ِ شکستهٔ حافظ به خاک خواهد برد
چو لاله، داغ هوایی، که بر جگر دارد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem contains philosophical statements about love and devotion. The verse about the candle finding 'a moth' and having 'a head other' under the beloved's sword is a striking image. The observation that the threshold 'always has head' at the beloved's door is a beautiful statement about humility. The verse about being 'weary from dry asceticism' and seeking 'pure wine' is a statement about spiritual thirst. The poem's combination of mystical imagery and personal expression makes it engaging.
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