Poem #140
English Translation
Persian
The Heart-stealer left, and sent no news to the burned
no memory of the city friend, or the traveler returned.
دلبر بِرَفت و دلشدگان را خبر نکرد
یادِ حریفِ شهر و رفیقِ سفر نکرد
Either my fortune abandoned the way of grace
or she chose not the highway for her pace.
یا بختِ من طریقِ مروت فروگذاشت
یا او به شاهراهِ طریقت گذر نکرد
I thought my weeping might make her heart kind
but on that heart of stone, no mark could I find.
گفتم مگر به گریه دلش مهربان کنم
چون سخت بود در دلِ سنگش اثر نکرد
Do not jest, for the bird of my restless heart
has not let the fancy of your snare depart.
شوخی مکن که مرغِ دلِ بی‌قرارِ من
سودایِ دامِ عاشقی از سر به درنکرد
Whoever saw your face, kissed my eyes in praise
for the work my eyes did, was a sight to amaze.
هر کس که دید رویِ تو بوسید چشمِ من
کاری که کرد دیدهٔ من، بی‌نظر نکرد
I stand ready to die like a candle for her sake
but she passes not like the breeze, my soul to take.
من ایستاده تا کُنَمَش جان فدا چو شمع
او خود گذر به ما چو نسیمِ سحر نکرد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem expresses longing for the traveled beloved. The opening verse about the beloved going and not giving 'news' to 'the heart-burned ones' is a poignant statement. The observation that weeping had no effect 'in the heart of stone' is a striking image. The verse about everyone who saw the beloved's face 'kissed my eye' is a beautiful image. The poem's combination of emotional expression and vivid imagery makes it engaging.
Related Poems
"O Cupbearer, circulate the cup and pass it, for love seemed easy at first but difficulties arose."
"If that Turk of Shiraz takes my heart in hand, **** I will give Samarkand and Bukhara for his Hindu mole."
"To the courtiers of the sultan, who will deliver this prayer? **** That in gratitude for kingship, do not drive the begg..."
"O cupbearer, arise and pour the cup, **** put dust on the head of the grief of days"