Poem #135
English Translation
Persian
Like the wind, I will speed to the Beloved's street
I will scent my breath with her fragrance, musk-sweet.
چو باد، عزمِ سرِ کویِ یار خواهم کرد
نفس به بویِ خوشش مُشکبار خواهم کرد
Life passes in vain without wine and the Friend
enough of idleness! Today my work will mend.
به هرزه بی می و معشوق عمر می‌گذرد
بِطالتم بس از امروز کار خواهم کرد
All the honor I gained from knowledge and creed
I will scatter on her path, a humble deed.
هر آبروی که اندوختم ز دانش و دین
نثارِ خاکِ رهِ آن نگار خواهم کرد
Like the morning candle, her love makes me bright
I will spend my life in this labor and light.
چو شمعِ صبحدمم شد ز مهر او روشن
که عمر در سر این کار و بار خواهم کرد
In memory of your eye, I will ruin my state
but the ancient covenant I will consolidate.
به یادِ چشم تو خود را خراب خواهم ساخت
بنایِ عهدِ قدیم استوار خواهم کرد
Where is the morning breeze? This blood-stained soul I'll give
to the scent of her tresses, that I may live.
صبا کجاست؟ که این جانِ خون گرفته چو گُل
فدای نَکهَتِ گیسویِ یار خواهم کرد
Hypocrisy and sham bring no peace to Hafez's part
I choose the way of love and the libertine's heart.
نفاق و زَرق نبخشد صفایِ دل حافظ
طریقِ رندی و عشق اختیار خواهم کرد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem expresses determination to pursue love. The verse about making the breath 'musk-scented' from the beloved's fragrance is a beautiful image. The observation that 'every honor' gathered from 'knowledge and religion' will be sacrificed for the beloved is a striking statement. The verse about becoming 'like the morning candle' bright from the beloved's love is a beautiful image. The poem's combination of determination and devotion makes it engaging.
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