Poem #265

My desire for your lips has not yet been fulfilled

I am still drinking dregs in hope of your ruby cup.

On the first day, my faith was lost in your tresses

I do not know where this passion will lead me still.

O Cupbearer, a sip of that fire-like water

for among love's seasoned ones, I am raw still.

In error one night I called your tress the musk of Khotan

a sword of hair strikes my body every moment still.

Since the sun saw the ray of your face in my solitude

it passes like a shadow over my door and roof still.

My name once passed the Beloved's lips by mistake

the scent of soul comes to the people of heart from my name still.

In eternity, the Cupbearer of your ruby lip gave us a sip

I am intoxicated by that cup still.

O you who said, 'Give your soul to find the soul's comfort'

I gave my soul to His griefs, and I have no comfort still.

Hafez brought the tale of His ruby lip to the pen

the water of life flows from my pens still.