Poem #254
English Translation
Persian
From the tall cypress branch, the bird of night
sang: 'May the evil eye shun Rose's light!'
دیگر ز شاخِ سروِ سَهی بلبلِ صبور
گلبانگ زد که چشمِ بد از رویِ گُل به دور
O Rose, in thanks for being Beauty's King
be not too proud with birds that weep and sing.
ای گُل به شُکرِ آن که تویی پادشاهِ حُسن
با بلبلانِ بی‌دلِ شیدا مَکُن غرور
I don't complain of absence anymore
for presence has no taste without that door.
از دستِ غیبتِ تو شکایت نمی‌کنم
تا نیست غیبتی نَبُوَد لذّتِ حضور
Let others find their joy in feast and glee
the Beloved's grief is joy enough for me.
گر دیگران به عیش و طَرَب خُرَّمَند و شاد
ما را غمِ نگار بُوَد مایهٔ سُرور
If monks hope for palaces and houris fair
my palace is the tavern, my Houri there.
زاهد اگر به حور و قصور است امیدوار
ما را شرابخانه قصور است و یار حور
Drink wine to harp-songs, let the sorrow go
if they say 'Don't', say 'God forgives, I know.'
مِی خور به بانگِ چنگ و مخور غصه ور کسی
گوید تو را که باده مخور گو هُوَالْغَفُور
Hafez, why wail of parting and of plight?
In parting, union lies; in darkness, light.
حافظ شکایت از غمِ هجران چه می‌کنی؟
در هِجر وصل باشد و در ظلمت است نور
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains profound statements about presence and absence. The verse about not complaining from absence because 'until there is not absence, will not be, the pleasure of presence' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'in separation, union may be and in darkness is light' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of wisdom and emotional expression makes it very engaging.