Poem #262

Poem #262

Wine

English Translation

Persian

Who will speak again of the state of blood-stained hearts?

Who will seek again the wine's blood from the turning heavens?

حالِ خونین دلان که گوید باز؟

وز فلک خونِ خُم که جوید باز؟

Let the drunken narcissus hang its head in shame

before the wine-drinkers' eyes, if it dares to bloom again.

شرمش از چشمِ مِی پرستان باد

نرگسِ مست اگر بروید باز

Who but the Plato who sits within the wine-jar

can reveal to us the secret of wisdom again?

جز فَلاطونِ خُم نشینِ شراب

سِرِّ حکمت به ما که گوید باز؟

Whoever, like the tulip, has turned the cup

must wash their face in blood again from this cruelty.

هر که چون لاله کاسه گَردان شد

زین جفا رُخ به خون بشوید باز

My heart will not open like a bud

if it does not catch the scent of a cup from your lips again.

نَگُشایَد دلم چو غنچه اگر

ساغری از لبش نبوید باز

The harp has spoken enough within its veil

cut its strings so it may not moan again.

بس که در پرده چنگ گفت سخن

بِبُرَش موی تا نَمویَد باز

If Hafez does not die

he will circle the Kaaba of the wine-jar on his head once again.

گِردِ بیتُ الحَرامِ خُم حافظ

گر نمیرد به سَر بپوید باز

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Cultural Context

US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains cultural references and profound statements. The reference to 'the Plato of the wine-jar-sitting' adds philosophical depth. The verse about the heart not opening 'like the bud' if a cup 'may not smell from its lip again' is a striking image. The reference to the Kaaba of the wine-jar adds cultural depth. The poem's combination of cultural references and emotional expression makes it very engaging.