Poem #170
English Translation
Persian
The solitary ascetic went to the tavern last night
from covenant's head to the wine cup's head took flight.
زاهدِ خلوت‌نشین، دوش به مِیخانه شد
از سرِ پیمان بِرَفت، با سرِ پیمانه شد
The Sufi who broke cups yesterday in zealous deed
one sip of wine made him wise and sage indeed.
صوفیِ مجلس که دی، جام و قدح می‌شکست
باز به یک جرعه می، عاقل و فرزانه شد
Youth's beloved came to him in dreams of yore
with graying head, he became love-mad once more.
شاهدِ عهدِ شباب، آمده بودش به خواب
باز به پیرانه سر، عاشق و دیوانه شد
A beauty passed, stealing faith and heart away
following that friend, from all else he went astray.
مُغْبَچه‌ای می‌گذشت، راه‌زنِ دین و دل
در پِیِ آن آشنا، از همه بیگانه شد
The rose's fiery face burned the nightingale's store
the candle's laughing visage was the moth's downfall and more.
آتشِ رخسارِ گُل، خرمنِ بلبل بسوخت
چهرهٔ خندانِ شمع، آفتِ پروانه شد
Evening and dawn's tears, thanks, were not in vain
our raindrop became a pearl, a precious gain.
گریهٔ شام و سحر، شُکر که ضایع نگشت
قطرهٔ بارانِ ما، گوهرِ یک‌دانه شد
The Saki's narcissus eye recited enchantment's spell
our prayer circle became a gathering where stories dwell.
نرگسِ ساقی بِخوانْد، آیتِ افسون‌گری
حلقهٔ اورادِ ما، مجلسِ افسانه شد
Hafez's dwelling now is the royal court's domain
heart went to the heart-taker, soul to the soul's sovereign.
منزلِ حافظ کنون، بارگهِ پادشاست
دل بَرِ دل‌دار رفت، جان بَرِ جانانه شد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem contains observations about transformation and change. The verse about the ascetic going 'from the head of covenant' to 'the head of the cup' is a striking image. The observation that the Sufi who was breaking cups 'with one sip of wine' became 'wise and sage' is a powerful statement. The verse about the 'drop of our rain' becoming 'a unique gem' is a beautiful image of transformation. The poem's combination of social observation and imagery makes it 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..."