Poem #158

I deny wine? What tale is this you say?

This must be all my reason holds this day.

I never knew the tavern's path to the end

else how far would my concealment extend?

The ascetic with pride and prayer, me with wine and plea

tell me, from us all, whom will Your favor see?

If the ascetic takes no libertine road, forgive

Love is work that depends on the guidance we receive.

I who struck piety's path with drum and lyre

should I find the way now? What tale to acquire!

I'm servant to the Magian Sage who saved me from my ignorance

whatever he does is purest benevolence.

Last night grief kept me from sleep, a friend did say

'If Hafez is drunk, there's cause to complain this way.'