Poem #236
English Translation
Persian
If that holy bird should to my door return once more
my past life will return unto my aging head of yore.
اگر آن طایرِ قدسی ز دَرَم بازآید
عمرِ بگذشته به پیرانه سرم بازآید
I place my hope upon these tears that fall like rain from skies
that fortune's lightning which has fled will flash before my eyes.
دارم امّید بر این اشکِ چو باران
که دگر برقِ دولت که بِرَفت از نظرم بازآید
She whose foot's sole dust was crown upon my head before
I beg of God that she return unto my head once more.
آن که تاجِ سرِ من خاکِ کفِ پایش بود
از خدا می‌طلبم تا به سرم بازآید
I'll follow her to tell dear friends of love's embrace
if my person can't return, at least my news will trace.
خواهم اندر عقبش رفت به یاران عزیز
شخصم ار بازنیاید خبرم بازآید
If I don't scatter my soul's gem at my beloved's foot divine
to what other work could my soul's jewel return and shine?
گر نثارِ قدمِ یارِ گرامی نکنم
گوهرِ جان به چه کار دگرم بازآید؟
I'll strike new fortune's drum from happiness's roof up high
if I should see my traveling moon return across the sky.
کوسِ نو دولتی از بامِ سعادت بزنم
گر ببینم که مَهِ نوسفرم بازآید
The harp's loud clamor and dawn-wine's sugar sleep prevent
else hearing my dawn sighs, she would return, relent.
مانِعَش غلغلِ چنگ است و شکرخوابِ صَبوح
ور نه گر بشنود آهِ سحرم بازآید
Hafez desires his moon-like king's face with heart sincere
an aspiration till it safely from his door appear.
آرزومندِ رخِ شاهِ چو ماهم حافظ
همتی تا به سلامت ز درم بازآید
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses hope for return. The verse about the 'past life' returning 'to the old head' if 'that holy bird' returns is a striking statement. The observation that if Hafez doesn't do 'scattering of the foot of the honored friend', 'the gem of the soul' will not return 'to what other work' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of hope and devotion makes it very engaging.
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