Poem #213
English Translation
Persian
The jewel in mystery's treasury remains the same as it was of old
the seal's box bears the selfsame mark it always bore of old.
گوهرِ مخزنِ اسرار همان است که بود
حُقِّهٔ مِهر بدان مُهر و نشان است که بود
Lovers form the company of those entrusted with the pearl
therefore the gem-bearing eye remains the same as it unfurled.
عاشقان زُمرهٔ اربابِ امانت باشند
لاجرم چشمِ گهربار همان است که بود
Ask the dawn breeze: all night until the morning's breath came through
the fragrance of your tresses was my soul's companion true.
از صبا پرس که ما را همه شب تا دمِ صبح
بویِ زلفِ تو همان مونسِ جان است که بود
The sun seeks neither ruby nor gem, for if it did, it would still
work the mine and vein the same as it has always stood.
طالب لعل و گهر نیست وگرنه خورشید
هم‌چُنان در عملِ معدن و کان است که بود
Visit the one your glances slew with mercy if you can
for that poor soul remains the anxious, watching heart it was back then.
کشتهٔ غمزهٔ خود را به زیارت دریاب
زانکه بیچاره همان دل‌نگران است که بود
The crimson of our heart's blood that you try to hide away
still shows the same upon your ruby lips as it did yesterday.
رنگِ خونِ دلِ ما را که نهان می‌داری
همچنان در لبِ لعلِ تو عیان است که بود
I said your Hindu tresses would strike no more upon the way
years passed, yet they remain the same in character as yesterday.
زلفِ هندویِ تو گفتم که دگر رَه نزند
سال‌ها رفت و بدان سیرت و سان است که بود
Hafez, tell again the tale of bloody tears the eye has shed
for from this spring the selfsame flowing waters still are spread.
حافظا بازنما قصه خونابهٔ چشم
که بر این چشمه همان آبِ روان است که بود
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses constancy and longing. The repeated structure of 'the same is that was' creates a powerful sense of continuity. The verse about the fragrance of the beloved's tress being 'the same companion of the soul' 'all night until the breath of dawn' is a beautiful image. The observation that the color of the blood of the heart is still 'visible' in the beloved's ruby lip is a striking statement. The poem's combination of constancy and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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