Poem #23
English Translation
Persian
Your face's image walks with us on every road
your scented hair binds our soul to its abode.
خیالِ رویِ تو در هر طریق همرهِ ماست
نسیمِ مویِ تو، پیوندِ جانِ آگهِ ماست
Despite the preachers who forbid our loving view
your beauty is our proof, and argument so true.
به رَغمِ مدّعیانی که منعِ عشق کنند
جمالِ چهرهٔ تو، حجّتِ موجّهِ ماست
See what your dimpled chin says to the world so well
'A thousand Josephs fell into this dark well.'
ببین که سیبِ زنخدانِ تو چه می‌گوید
هزار یوسفِ مصری، فتاده در چَهِ ماست
If my hand cannot reach your tresses long and sweet
'tis my short arm's defect, and fortune's sad deceit.
اگر به زلفِ درازِ تو، دستِ ما نرسد
گناهِ بختِ پریشان و دستِ کوتهِ ماست
Go tell the guard who watches at the private door
'One sits outside, who is the dust upon your floor.'
به حاجبِ درِ خلوت‌سرایِ خاص بگو
فُلان ز گوشه‌نشینانِ خاکِ درگهِ ماست
Though veiled from outward sight, you are forever near
within my peaceful mind, your image is so clear.
به صورت از نظر ما اگر چه محجوب است
همیشه در نظرِ خاطرِ مرفّهِ ماست
If Hafez knocks but once, open the door and see
for years he's longed for you, in deep fidelity.
اگر به سالی حافظ دری زَنَد، بگشای
که سال‌هاست که مشتاقِ رویِ چون مهِ ماست
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem contains the striking image of 'a thousand Egyptian Josephs have fallen into our well'—referring to the biblical/Quranic Joseph story, creating cross-cultural resonance. The theme of love as valid proof against those who forbid it is a universal defense of love's legitimacy. The poem's structure as a series of declarations about the beloved's power is accessible. The reference to being 'dust of the threshold' shows humility in love. The final plea for the door to be opened after years of longing is emotionally resonant.
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