Poem #148
English Translation
Persian
When my Friend takes the cup in hand
the market of idols breaks in the land.
یارم چو قدحْ به دست گیرد
بازارِ بُتانْ شکست گیرد
Everyone who saw Her eye did say
'Where is the Censor to take this drunk away?'
هر کس که بدیدْ چشم او گفت
کو محتسبی که مست گیرد؟
I've fallen in the sea like a fish, so weak
until the Friend takes me with Her hook and beak.
در بحرْ فِتادهام چو ماهی
تا یار مرا به شَست گیرد
I've fallen at Her feet with a plea
is there one who will take my hand and free?
در پاشْ فِتادهام به زاری
آیا بُوَد آن که دست گیرد؟
Happy is the heart that like Hafez's soul
takes a cup of the Primal Wine, whole.
خُرَّم دلِ آن که همچو حافظ
جامی ز مِیِ اَلَست گیرد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This is a short but powerful poem. The verse about the friend taking the cup and breaking 'the market of idols' is a striking image. The reference to 'the wine of Am I not?' is a profound mystical reference to the Quranic verse where God asks 'Am I not your Lord?' The poem's combination of brevity, powerful imagery, and mystical depth makes it very engaging.
Related Poems
"That Night of Power that the people of seclusion say is tonight **** O God, in which star is this effect of fortune?"
"In this age, a friend who is free from faults is a wine-flask of pure wine **** and a ship of ghazal"
"To the quarter of the wine-house, every traveler who knew the way **** knew the thought of knocking at another door as c..."
"Welcome, O messenger of lovers—give the friend's message **** so that I may make my soul a willing sacrifice to the frie..."