Poem #239
English Translation
Persian
Good news arrived: spring has come and greenery sprouted bright
if fortune grants, spend it on roses and wine's delight.
رسید مژده که آمد بهار و سبزه دمید
وظیفه گر برسد، مصرفش گُل است و نَبید
The bird's whistle arose—where is the wine flagon's pour?
The nightingale cries out—who drew the veil from rose's door?
صَفیرِ مرغ برآمد، بَطِ شراب کجاست؟
فَغان فتاد به بلبل، نقابِ گُل که کشید؟
What joy can they derive from paradise's fruits on high
who've never bitten on a beauty's chin-apple nearby?
ز میوه‌های بهشتی چه ذوق دریابد
هر آن که سیبِ زَنَخدانِ شاهدی نَگَزید
Don't complain of grief along the seeking path you tread
those who bear no hardship never reach ease's bed.
مَکُن ز غُصّه شکایت که در طریقِ طلب
به راحتی نرسید آن که زحمتی نکشید
Pick a rose today from the moon-faced Cupbearer's glow
for around the garden's cheek, violet down begins to grow.
ز رویِ ساقی مَه‌وَش گلی بچین امروز
که گِردِ عارضِ بُستان خطِ بنفشه دمید
The Cupbearer's coquetry so captured my heart entire
I've no patience left to speak or hear anyone's desire.
چُنان کرشمهٔ ساقی دلم ز دست بِبُرد
که با کسی دِگَرَم نیست برگِ گفت و شَنید
I'll burn this colorful patched cloak like a rose in flame
the wine-seller wouldn't buy it for even one sip's claim.
من این مُرَقَّعِ رنگین چو گُل، بخواهم سوخت
که پیرِ باده‌فروشش به جُرعه‌ای نخرید
Spring passes, O just judge—take notice of this plight
the season's gone and Hafez still hasn't tasted wine's delight!
بهار می‌گذرد دادگسترا دریاب
که رفت موسم و حافظ هنوز مِی نچشید
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem celebrates spring and contains advice. The verse about not complaining from grief because 'to ease did not reach, that one who hardship did not bear' is a profound statement. The observation that Hafez wants to burn his 'patched, colorful' cloak 'like the rose' because 'the old man, wine-selling' did not buy it 'with a sip' is a poignant statement. The poem's combination of celebration and reflection makes it engaging.
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