Poem #216
English Translation
Persian
That beloved who made our house a fairy dwelling pure and bright
was flawless as a fairy from head to toe, perfection's light.
آن یار کز او خانهٔ ما جایِ پَری بود
سر تا قدمش چون پَری از عیب بَری بود
My heart swore to settle in this city with her fragrance near
the poor fool didn't know that beloved was but a traveler here.
دل گفت فروکش کنم این شهر به بویش
بیچاره ندانست که یارش سفری بود
Not mine alone—from many hearts the veil of secrecy has torn
for tearing veils has been her way since heaven's wheel was born.
تنها نه ز رازِ دلِ من پرده برافتاد
تا بود فلک، شیوهٔ او پرده‌دری بود
My wise heart's aim was that moon whose gracious manner clear
combined with courteous beauty, showed true vision's insight here.
منظورِ خردمندِ من آن ماه که او را
با حُسنِ ادب شیوهٔ صاحب‌نظری بود
An ill-starred fate snatched her from my command and grasp away
but what to do? Such lunar fortune lasts a fleeting day.
از چنگِ مَنَش اختر بَدمِهر به در برد
آری چه کنم؟ دولتِ دورِ قمری بود
Make your excuse, O heart—you're but a dervish poor and plain
while she wears beauty's crown and holds that kingdom's sovereign reign.
عُذری بِنِه ای دل، که تو درویشی و او را
در مملکتِ حُسن سَرِ تاجْوَری بود
The only pleasant times were those spent with my beloved dear
the rest was all futility, oblivion, without cheer.
اوقاتِ خوش آن بود که با دوست به سر رفت
باقی همه بی‌حاصلی و بی‌خبری بود
How pleasant were the water's edge, flowers, grass, and narcissus bloom
alas! That flowing treasure was a passing stranger's boon.
خوش بود لبِ آب و گل و سبزه و نسرین
افسوس که آن گنجِ روان رهگذری بود
Die of jealousy, O nightingale—your rose at dawn's first hour
displayed herself in glory to the morning breeze's power.
خود را بکش ای بلبل از این رشک که گُل را
با بادِ صبا وقتِ سحر جلوه‌گری بود
Each treasure of felicity God grants to Hafez's care
springs from night prayers' blessing and the dawn litany's prayer.
هر گنجِ سعادت که خدا داد به حافظ
از یُمنِ دعایِ شب و وِردِ سَحَری بود
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses nostalgia and loss. The verse about the heart wanting to 'settle' in the city 'with the fragrance' of the friend but not knowing 'the friend was a journey' is a poignant statement. The observation that 'the pleasant times' were those spent 'with the friend' and 'the rest' was 'without result and without news' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of nostalgia and emotional expression makes it very engaging.