Poem #165
English Translation
Persian
Love of dark-eyed beauties won't leave my head
Heaven's decree stands firm, won't be otherwise said.
مرا مِهر سیَه چشمان ز سر بیرون نخواهد شد
قضای آسمان است این و دیگرگون نخواهد شد
The rival caused harm, left no room to reconcile
won't the dawn-risers' sighs reach Heaven's while?
رقیب آزارها فرمود و جایِ آشتی نگذاشت
مگر آهِ سحرخیزان سویِ گردون نخواهد شد؟
On eternity's first day, only revelry was my command
no portion allotted there will grow beyond what's planned.
مرا روزِ ازل کاری به جز رندی نفرمودند
هر آن قسمت که آن جا رفت از آن افزون نخواهد شد
For God's sake, Censor, let us cry with drum and reed
the law's instrument won't break from this lawless creed.
خدا را محتسب ما را به فریادِ دَف و نِی بخش
که سازِ شرع از این افسانه بی‌قانون نخواهد شد
My only chance is loving Her in secret's fold
what can I say of kiss and embrace that won't unfold?
مجالِ من همین باشد که پنهان عشقِ او ورزم
کنار و بوس و آغوشش چه گویم چون نخواهد شد
Ruby wine, safe haven, kind Friend as Saki true
O heart, when will things improve if not right now for you?
شرابِ لعل و جایِ امن و یارِ مهربان ساقی
دلا کی بِه شود کارت اگر اکنون نخواهد شد
Don't wash grief's mark from Hafez's chest, O tear
it's the Beloved's sword-wound, blood-hued, forever here.
مشوی ای دیده نقشِ غم ز لوحِ سینهٔ حافظ
که زخمِ تیغِ دلدار است و رنگِ خون نخواهد شد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem expresses acceptance of fate and love. The opening verse about the love of black-eyed ones being 'the decree of the heavens' is a striking statement about predestination. The observation that on 'the day of eternity' only 'libertinism' was commanded is a profound statement. The verse about the wound of the beloved's sword being permanent is a powerful image. The poem's combination of fatalism and emotional expression makes it engaging.
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