Poem #229
English Translation
Persian
Fortune won't reveal my beloved's lips to me as sign
nor does Fate give news about my hidden secrets' line.
بخت از دهانِ دوست نشانم نمی‌دهد
دولت خبر ز رازِ نهانم نمی‌دهد
I give my soul for just one kiss from her lip's sweet prize
she takes my soul but grants no kiss in her reply's disguise.
از بهرِ بوسه‌ای ز لبش جان همی‌دهم
اینم همی‌سِتانَد و آنم نمی‌دهد
I die in separation, yet behind that veil no path appears
or there is one, but the curtain-keeper won't guide me through my tears.
مُردم در این فِراق و در آن پرده راه نیست
یا هست و پرده دار نشانم نمی‌دهد
The morning breeze pulled at her tress—see the base sphere's jealous might
it gives no other wind a chance to touch that sacred sight.
زلفش کشید بادِ صبا چرخِ سِفله بین
کانجا مجالِ بادِ وَزانَم نمی‌دهد
Though I spun at the edge like a compass round and round
the circling heavens, like a point, won't let me reach the center's ground.
چندان که بر کنار چو پرگار می‌شدم
دوران چو نقطه رَه به میانم نمی‌دهد
Patience may eventually yield sweetness to my hand, 'tis true
but time's oath-breaking nature gives me no time to pursue.
شِکَّر به صبر دست دهد عاقبت ولی
بدعهدیِ زمانه زمانم نمی‌دهد
I thought I'd sleep and see my beloved's beauty in a dream
but Hafez's sighs and wails won't grant me peace, it would seem.
گفتم رَوَم به خواب و ببینم جمالِ دوست
حافظ ز آه و ناله امانم نمی‌دهد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem expresses frustration and longing. The repeated structure of 'does not give' creates a sense of denial. The verse about Hafez saying he will go to sleep to see the beloved's beauty but 'sigh and lamentation' not giving 'safety' is a poignant statement. The poem's combination of frustration and emotional expression makes it engaging.
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