Poem #259
English Translation
Persian
I am the one whose eyes behold the Friend
what thanks to God, whose mercies never end?
منم که دیده به دیدارِ دوست کردم باز
چه شُکر گویَمَت ای کارسازِ بنده نواز
Wash not the dust of need from off your face
for in that dust lies alchemy and grace.
نیازمندِ بلا گو رخ از غبار مَشوی
که کیمیایِ مراد است، خاکِ کویِ نیاز
Turn not away from trials on the Way
the traveler fears no night and seeks no day.
ز مشکلاتِ طریقت عِنان مَتاب ای دل
که مردِ راه نَیَندیشَد از نَشیب و فَراز
Unless the lover washes with heart's blood
his prayer is void, lost in the crimson flood.
طهارت ار نه به خونِ جگر کُنَد عاشق
به قولِ مُفتیِ عشقش درست نیست نماز
In this illusion, grasp the cup of wine
play only Love in this game of design.
در این مُقامِ مجازی به جز پیاله مگیر
در این سراچهٔ بازیچه، غیرِ عشق مَباز
Buy prayers from mystics with a single kiss
to guard your soul from enemies amiss.
به نیمْ بوسه دعایی بخر ز اهلِ دلی
که کِیدِ دشمنت از جان و جسم دارد باز
Hafez's song of love from Shiraz flows
to Iraq and Hejaz, the melody goes.
فِکَنْد زمزمهٔ عشق در حجاز و عراق
نوایِ بانگِ غزلهایِ حافظ از شیراز
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses gratitude and contains profound statements. The verse about 'the alchemy of desire' being 'the dust of the quarter of need' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'the man of the path does not think from descent and ascent' is a profound statement. The reference to Hejaz and Iraq and Hafez's ghazals spreading from Shiraz adds cultural depth. The poem's combination of gratitude and wisdom makes it very engaging.