Poem #207
English Translation
Persian
Remember when your corner was my only dwelling place
and light for aching eyes came from the dust before your door of grace.
یاد باد آن که سرِ کویِ توام منزل بود
دیده را روشنی از خاکِ درت حاصل بود
Straight as lily and rose from converse pure and bright
whatever lived within your heart my tongue proclaimed outright.
راست چون سوسن و گل از اثرِ صحبتِ پاک
بر زبان بود مرا آن‌چه تو را در دل بود
When heart took meaning's lessons from the elder sage
Love would plainly gloss whatever seemed a cryptic page.
دل چو از پیرِ خِرَد نَقلِ مَعانی می‌کرد
عشق می‌گفت به شرح آن‌چه بر او مشکل بود
Alas for all the tyranny that stains this snare today
alas for all the burning need that filled that distant bay.
آه از آن جور و تَطاول که در این دامگَه است
آه از آن سوز و نیازی که در آن محفل بود
Within my heart I vowed never to live without my friend
but what is there to do when heart and striving fail in the end?
در دلم بود که بی‌دوست نباشم هرگز
چه توان کرد؟ که سعیِ من و دل باطل بود
Last night in memory of friends I turned toward the tavern's dome
I saw the wine-jar, heart full of blood and feet in mire and loam.
دوش بر یادِ حریفان به خرابات شدم
خُمِ مِی دیدم، خون در دل و پا در گل بود
I roamed afar to ask the cause of parting's searing pain
but Reason's mufti in this case had not the wit to explain.
بس بِگَشتَم که بپرسم سببِ دردِ فِراق
مفتیِ عقل در این مسأله لایَعْقِل بود
Indeed the turquoise seal of Abu Ishaq blazed bright
yet his kingdom was impatient, fleeting from his sight.
راستی خاتمِ فیروزهٔ بواسحاقی
خوش درخشید ولی دولتِ مُستَعجِل بود
Did you see the strutting partridge laughing loud, O Hafez?
it knew nothing of the falcon-claw of fate above the clouds.
دیدی آن قهقههٔ کبکِ خِرامان حافظ؟
که ز سرپنجهٔ شاهینِ قضا غافل بود
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses nostalgia and reflection. The verse about the heart being 'straight, like the lily and the rose' from 'the effect of pure conversation' is a beautiful image. The observation that 'the effort of me and the heart' was 'vain' is a poignant statement. The reference to Abu Ishaq adds cultural depth. The poem's combination of nostalgia and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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