Poem #15
English Translation
Persian
O Angel-face! Who lifts the veil that hides your eyes?
O Bird of Heaven! Who feeds you in the skies?
ای شاهد قدسی، کِه کَشَد بند نقابت؟
وی مرغ بهشتی، که دهد دانه و آبت؟
Sleep fled my eyes, in burning thoughts so deep:
Whose arms are now your home of rest and sleep?
خوابم بشد از دیده در این فکر جگرسوز
کآغوشِ که شد منزل آسایش و خوابت؟
You ask not of the dervish, and I fear,
you care not for the judgment that is near.
درویش نمی‌پرسی و ترسم که نباشد
اندیشهٔ آمرزش و پروای ثوابت
Your languid eye has waylaid lovers' hearts;
'tis clear your wine is drunk with magic arts.
راه دل عشّاق زد آن چشم خماری
پیداست از این شیوه که مست است شرابت
The arrow of your glance, it missed my breast;
what new design will put your skill to test?
تیری که زدی بر دلم از غمزه خطا رفت
تا باز چه اندیشه کند رأی صوابت
You heard no cry or wail I raised to you;
your threshold is too high for my view.
هر ناله و فریاد که کردم نشنیدی
پیداست نگارا که بلند است جَنابت
The water's far from this dry desert land;
beware the mirage and the ghoul's command!
دور است سر آب از این بادیه، هشدار
تا غول بیابان نفریبد به سرابت
O Heart, how will you walk in age's way?
Since youth was spent in error and in play.
تا در ره پیری به چه آیین رَوی ای دل
باری به غلط صرف شد ایّامِ شبابت
O Palace of Delight, where Love does dwell,
may Time not ruin you, or break your spell.
ای قصرِ دل‌افروز که منزلگهِ انسی
یا رب مَکُناد آفتِ ایّام، خرابت
Hafez is not a slave to flee his Lord;
come back, make peace, and sheathe your angry sword.
حافظ نه غلامیست که از خواجه گریزد
صلحی کن و بازآ که خرابم ز عِتابت
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem is a complaint of separation. The 'holy witness' or 'angel' refers to the Beloved, whose purity and high status make them inaccessible. The 'ghoul of the desert' is a classic folklore figure that lures travelers to their doom. The poem ends with a plea for reconciliation.
Related Poems
"O brightness of the moon of beauty, from your shining face! **** The honor of beauty comes from the well of your chin."
"O Cupbearer, circulate the cup and pass it, for love seemed easy at first but difficulties arose."