Poem #117
English Translation
Persian
My heart is free from gardens and from spring
Your face's absence is the only thing. Bound like the cypress to its rooted place, Branded like tulips with a dark disgrace.
دل ما به دور رویت ز چمن فَراغ دارد
که چو سرو پایبند است و چو لاله داغ دارد
My head bows not to any archer's bow
Even the eyebrow that commands below. For in my solitude, I stand apart, Free from the world, with a secluded heart.
سرِ ما فرونیآید به کمانِ ابروی کَس
که درون گوشه‌گیران، ز جهان فَراغ دارد
I bear with violets, though they steal your scent
And imitate the curve your tresses lent. But see how cheap they seem, how void of grace, Compared to the glory of your face.
ز بنفشه تاب دارم که ز زلفِ او زند دم
تو سیاهِ کم‌بها بین، که چه در دِماغ دارد!
Walk in the garden, see the rose's throne
Where beauty reigns, majestic and alone. The tulip stands like a courtier true, Cup in hand, to pay his homage due.
به چمن خرام و بنگر برِ تختِ گل که لاله
به ندیمِ شاه مانَد که به کف ایاغ دارد
In the dark night, on deserts vast and wide
Where can I go without a guide? Unless the candle of your face appears, To light the path and banish all my fears.
شبِ ظلمت و بیابان، به کجا توان رسیدن؟
مگر آن که شمعِ روی‌ات به رَهَم چراغ دارد
The morning candle and I should weep as one
Our burning lives are nearly spent and done. We melt away in fire and in pain, While our beloved feels no touch of strain.
من و شمعِ صبح‌گاهی سِزَد ار به هم بِگرییم
که بسوختیم و از ما بتِ ما فراغ دارد
I weep like winter clouds upon the green
Mourning the joy that is no longer seen. The nightingale's nest, where song was born, Is now by crows and ravens possessed and torn.
سِزَدم چو ابرِ بهمن که بر این چمن بِگریَم
طرب آشیانِ بلبل، بنگر که زاغ دارد
Hafez's heart is schooled in love's deep art
No other lesson occupies his heart. No wish for gardens, no desire to see, Only the thought of you remains with me.
سرِ درسِ عشق دارد دلِ دردمند حافظ
که نه خاطرِ تماشا نه هوای باغ دارد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem expresses longing for the beloved. The verse about the heart being 'like the cypress, bound' and 'like the tulip, a mark has' is a beautiful image. The observation that the tulip resembles 'the companion of the king' with 'a cup in hand' is a striking image. The verse about the 'candle of your face' having 'a lamp' for the path is a beautiful statement about guidance. The poem's combination of natural imagery and emotional expression makes it engaging.
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