Poem #237
English Translation
Persian
My breath runs out yet my desire from you won't ever come
alas, my fortune won't awaken from its slumber, still stays numb.
نفس برآمد و کام از تو بر نمی‌آید
فغان که بختِ من از خواب در نمی‌آید
The dawn breeze cast dust from her quarter in my eye's view
now life's water can't be seen, obscured from sight's purview.
صبا به چشمِ من انداخت خاکی از کویش
که آبِ زندگیم در نظر نمی‌آید
Until I embrace your tall cypress form and hold you near
my tree of hope and purpose bears no fruit throughout the year.
قدِ بلندِ تو را تا به بَر نمی‌گیرم
درختِ کام و مرادم به بَر نمی‌آید
Unless we see our beloved's heart-stealing face divine
no other way will work or bear fruit by any other sign.
مگر به رویِ دلارایِ یارِ ما ور نی
به هیچ وجه دگر کار بر نمی‌آید
My heart dwells in your tresses, seeing pleasant darkness there
from that afflicted stranger, no news comes anywhere.
مقیمِ زلفِ تو شد دل که خوش سَوادی دید
وز آن غریبِ بلاکش خبر نمی‌آید
From truth's bow I released a thousand arrows of prayer
but what's the use? Not one effective answer finds me there.
ز شَستِ صدق گشادم هزار تیرِ دعا
ولی چه سود یکی کارگر نمی‌آید
I've many tales to tell the dawn breeze when it blows
but to my cursed fortune, tonight no dawn light shows.
بسم حکایتِ دل هست با نسیمِ سحر
ولی به بختِ من امشب سحر نمی‌آید
In this fantasy my lifetime passed and came unto its end
yet still your dark tress's trial won't to conclusion wend.
در این خیال به سر شد زمانِ عمر و هنوز
بلایِ زلفِ سیاهت به سر نمی‌آید
Hafez's heart has fled from all the world in fear and flight
now from your tresses' circle, it won't emerge to light.
ز بس که شد دلِ حافظ رمیده از همه کس
کنون ز حلقهٔ زلفت به در نمی‌آید
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses frustration and longing. The repeated structure of 'does not come' creates a powerful sense of denial. The verse about opening 'a thousand arrows of prayer' from 'the bow of truth' but 'one work-doing does not come' is a striking statement. The observation that 'the time of life went to the head' in imagination but 'the calamity of your black tress does not come to the head' is a poignant statement. The poem's combination of frustration and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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