Poem #155
English Translation
Persian
If I pursue Her, troubles stir and rise
if I sit still, Her enmity will likewise.
اگر روم ز پِی‌اش فتنه‌ها برانگیزد
ور از طلب بنشینم به کینه برخیزد
If on the path, one faithful moment I pursue
like dust I fall behind—like wind, She flies from view.
و گر به رهگذری یک دَم از وفاداری
چو گَرد در پِی‌اش افتم چو باد بُگْریزد
And if I ask for half a kiss, a hundred sighs
like sugar from Her mouth's small jar, it pours and flies.
و گر کنم طلبِ نیم بوسه صد افسوس
ز حُقِّهٔ دهنش چون شکر فرو ریزد
The charm I see within Your narcissus eye
enough honor mixed with the path's dust thereby.
من آن فریب که در نرگسِ تو می‌بینم
بس آبروی که با خاک ره برآمیزد
Love's desert, high and low, is calamity's snare
where is the lion-heart who won't from trouble spare?
فراز و شیب بیابان عشق، دامِ بلاست
کجاست شیردلی کز بلا نپرهیزد
Wish for life and patience, for the juggling sphere
will stir a thousand games more wondrous than appear.
تو عمر خواه و صبوری که چرخِ شعبده باز
هزار بازی از این طُرفه‌تر برانگیزد
Lay your head on submission's threshold, Hafez wise
for if you fight, the times will fight likewise.
بر آستانهٔ تسلیم سر بِنِه حافظ
که گر ستیزه کنی، روزگار بستیزد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem expresses the dilemma of love. The opening verses about the beloved causing trouble whether Hafez follows or doesn't follow are a striking statement. The observation that 'the height and slope of the desert of love' is 'the snare of calamity' is a powerful image. The verse about needing 'life and patience' because 'the trick-playing turning' will stir 'a thousand games' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of emotional expression and philosophical insight makes it engaging.
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