Poem #129
English Translation
Persian
If wine won't wash grief's memory from our hearts away
calamity's terror will uproot our foundation's stay.
اگر نه باده غمِ دل ز یادِ ما بِبَرَد
نهیبِ حادثه بنیادِ ما ز جا بِبَرَد
If Reason won't drop anchor in intoxication's sea
how can our ship escape this dark calamity?
اگر نه عقل به مستی فروکَشَد لنگر
چگونه کَشتی از این وَرطِهٔ بلا ببرد
Alas! The heavens played tricks on everyone unseen
none could escape this cunning, devious machine.
فغان که با همه کس غایبانه باخت فلک
که کس نبود که دستی از این دَغا ببرد
We cross through darkness—where's our Khidr guide with light
may deprivation's fire not drink our water bright.
گذار بر ظلمات است، خِضْرِ راهی کو؟
مباد کآتش محرومی آبِ ما ببرد
My weak heart yearns toward the garden's verdant scene
trading death for the sweet sickness of spring's own green.
دل ضعیفم از آن می‌کَشَد به طَرْفِ چمن
که جان ز مرگ به بیماریِ صبا ببرد
I'm Love's physician—give me wine, this cure divine
it brings tranquility and takes all thoughts malign.
طبیبِ عشق منم باده دِه که این معجون
فَراغت آرد و اندیشهٔ خطا ببرد
Hafez burned, yet none told the Friend of his despair
unless the breeze might carry prayers to God's own care.
بسوخت حافظ و کس حالِ او به یار نگفت
مگر نسیم پیامی خدای را ببرد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains profound statements about wine and the human condition. The opening verse about wine taking 'the grief of the heart' from memory is a statement about wine's role. The observation that if intellect doesn't 'lower the anchor to drunkenness,' the ship cannot escape 'this abyss of calamity' is a profound statement about the need for release. The verse about 'the heavens' playing 'with everyone, absently' is a striking image of fate's indifference. The poem's combination of philosophical insight and personal expression makes it very engaging.
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