Poem #25
English Translation
Persian
The Red Rose blooms, the Nightingale is drunk with glee
O Sufis, wine-worshippers! Come join the revelry!
شکفته شد گل حَمرا و گشت بلبل مست
صَلایِ سرخوشی، ای صوفیانِ باده پرست
The structure of repentance, that seemed as hard as stone
see how the crystal cup has shattered it alone!
اساسِ توبه که در محکمی چو سنگ نُمود
ببین که جامِ زُجاجی چه طُرفه‌اش بشکست
Bring wine! For in this court of independence high
what matters king or guard? Or drunk or sober eye?
بیار باده که در بارگاهِ استغنا
چه پاسبان و چه سلطان، چه هوشیار و چه مست
Since we must leave this two-doored inn of life and pain
what matters low or high? The arch or the plain?
از این رِباط دو در، چون ضرورت است رَحیل
رِواق و طاقِ معیشت، چه سربلند و چه پست
No pleasure comes without the pain, no joy without the sting
to the decree of Fate, the Covenant did cling.
مقام عیش میسر نمی‌شود بی‌رنج
بلی به حکمِ بلا بسته‌اند عهدِ الست
Grieve not for what is gone, or what is yet to be
for Non-Existence waits for all perfection we see.
به هست و نیست مَرنجان ضمیر و خوش می‌باش
که نیستی‌ست سرانجامِ هر کمال که هست
The glory of King Solomon, his bird and wind-steed fast
all went upon the wind, and nothing could last.
شکوهِ آصِفی و اسبِ باد و منطقِ طیر
به باد رفت و از او خواجه هیچ طَرف نبست
Fly not from off the path, with wing or feather proud
the arrow soars awhile, then sleeps within the shroud.
به بال و پَر مرو از ره که تیرِ پرتابی
هوا گرفت زمانی، ولی به خاک نشست
What thanks can Hafez's pen offer for this grace
that words of his are carried from place to place.
زبانِ کِلکِ تو حافظ چه شُکرِ آن گوید
که گفتهٔ سخنت می‌برند دست به دست
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains profound philosophical observations. The verse 'non-existence is the end of every perfection that exists' is a deep meditation on mortality and impermanence. The image of the glass cup breaking the stone foundation of repentance is striking and accessible. The reference to Solomon's minister Asif and the wind-horse adds biblical/mythical resonance. The poem's themes of transience, the necessity of pain in pleasure, and the futility of worldly glory are universal. The final verse's self-awareness about the poet's fame is charming. The poem balances celebration and philosophical depth effectively.