Poem #245
English Translation
Persian
O parrot, speaking secrets of the soul
may sugar always fill your beak and bowl.
الا ای طوطیِ گویا‌یِ اسرار!
مبادا خالی‌ات شِکَّر ز مِنقار
May your head be green, your heart forever gay
for showing us the Friend's delightful way.
سَرَت سبز و دلت خوش باد، جاوید
که خوش نقشی نمودی از خطِ یار
You spoke in riddles to the gathered few
for God's sake, lift the veil and show what's true.
سخن سربسته گفتی با حریفان
خدا را زین معما پرده بردار
Splash rose-water from the cup on our face
for we are drowsy, O Fortune, in this place!
به رویِ ما زن از ساغر گلابی
که خواب‌آلوده‌ایم، ای بختِ بیدار!
What melody did the musician play?
That drunk and sober dance in disarray.
چه رَه بود این که زد در پرده مطرب؟
که می‌رقصند با هم مست و هشیار
The opium the Saki cast in wine
left neither head nor turban in its line.
از آن افیون که ساقی در مِی افکند
حریفان را نه سَر مانَد، نه دَستار
Alexander cannot buy the Water of Life
with gold or force, amidst the worldly strife.
سِکَندَر را نمی‌بخشند آبی
به زور و زر مُیَسَّر نیست این کار
Come, hear the state of those who feel the pain
in few words, let the mighty truth remain.
بیا و حالِ اهلِ درد بشنو
به لفظِ اندک و معنیِ بسیار
That Chinese idol steals our faith and heart
O Lord, protect us from her deadly art.
بُتِ چینی عدویِ دین و دل‌هاست
خداوندا دل و دینم نگه دار
Tell not the veiled ones of the drunkard's state
nor speak of souls to walls inanimate.
به مستور‌ان مگو اسرارِ مستی
حدیثِ جان مگو با نقشِ دیوار
By Mansur's fortune, Hafez raised his sign
within the realm of poetry divine.
به یُمنِ دولتِ منصور شاهی عَلَم شد
حافظ اندر نظمِ اشعار
He acted like a Lord to servants poor
O God, protect him, keep his reign secure.
خداوندی به جایِ بندگان کرد
خداوندا ز آفاتش نگه دار
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains profound statements about secrets and wisdom. The verse about the 'speaking parrot of secrets' not being 'empty of sugar from the beak' is a striking image. The reference to Alexander not being given water 'with force and gold' adds cultural depth. The observation that 'the Chinese idol' is 'the enemy of religion and hearts' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of mystery and wisdom makes it very engaging.
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