Poem #188
English Translation
Persian
The meddler faults my love and libertine display
Objecting to the secrets of the Unseen Way.
مرا به رندی و عشق، آن فضول عیب کُنَد
که اعتراض بر اسرارِ علمِ غیب کُنَد
See love's secret perfection, not the sin's defect
For he who lacks all art, will only faults detect.
کمالِ سِرِّ محبت ببین، نه نقصِ گناه
که هر که بی‌هنر اُفتَد، نظر به عیب کُنَد
The fragrance of the houris comes upon the air
When tavern dust perfumes the pocket of the prayer.
ز عطرِ حورِ بهشت آن نَفَس برآید بوی
که خاکِ میکدهٔ ما عَبیر جِیب کُنَد
The Cupbearer's coquetry strikes Islam's path so deep
That only Suhayb could from the wine-cup abstinence keep.
چنان زَنَد رَهِ اسلام غمزهٔ ساقی
که اجتناب ز صهبا، مگر صُهیب کُنَد
The key to happiness is acceptance by the wise
Let no one doubt this truth with suspicious eyes.
کلیدِ گنجِ سعادت قبولِ اهلِ دل است
مباد آن که در این نکته شَکُّ و رِیب کُنَد
The shepherd of the Safety Valley finds his goal
Who serves Shu'ayb for years with all his heart and soul.
شبانِ وادیِ اِیمن گَهی رسد به مراد
که چند سال به جان، خدمتِ شُعیب کند
Blood drips from Hafez's eye when telling of the stage
Remembering the times of youth and of old age.
ز دیده خون بِچکانَد فِسانهٔ حافظ
چو یادِ وقتِ زمانِ شَباب و شِیب کُنَد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains profound statements about love and understanding. The verse about seeing 'the perfection of the secret of love' not 'the defect of sin' is a profound statement. The reference to Suhayb (a companion of the Prophet) and Shu'ayb (a prophet) adds Islamic cultural depth. The observation that 'the key of the treasure of happiness' is 'the acceptance of the people of the heart' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of mystical insight and cultural references makes it very engaging.
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