Poem #235
English Translation
Persian
O blessed time when the beloved returns to us again
bringing solace to the grief-stricken, easing all their pain!
زهی خجسته زمانی که یار بازآید
به کامِ غمزدگان غمگُسار بازآید
Before her phantom troop I drew my eye's piebald steed to race
in hope that sovereign rider might return to this place.
به پیشِ خیلِ خیالش کشیدم اَبلقِ چشم
بدان امید که آن شهسوار بازآید
Unless my head falls in her polo-stick's sweeping arc
I won't speak truly—what use is a head that may come back?
اگر نه در خمِ چوگان او رَوَد سَرِ من
ز سر نگویم و سر خود چه کار بازآید
I sit like dust upon her pathway's head and there remain
desiring that this passer-by might pass this way again.
مقیمِ بر سرِ راهش نشسته‌ام چون گرد
بدان هوس که بدین رهگذار بازآید
A heart that gave its peace unto her twin tresses' charm
don't dream that peace will ever to that heart return from harm.
دلی که با سرِ زلفین او قراری داد
گمان مَبَر که بدان دل قرار بازآید
What cruelties the nightingales endured through winter's yesterday
with hope that spring's sweet fragrance might return in blooming May!
چه جورها که کشیدند بلبلان از دی
به بویِ آن که دگر نوبهار بازآید
From fate's intricate design, Hafez has hope that one day near
my cypress-tall beloved to my hand will reappear.
ز نقش بندِ قضا هست امید آن حافظ
که همچو سرو به دستم نگار بازآید
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses hope for the beloved's return. The verse about sitting 'on the head of the path' 'like dust' with the hope that the beloved 'may return' is a poignant image. The observation that 'a heart that with the head of the two tresses gave settlement' will not have 'settlement return' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of hope and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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