Poem #27
English Translation
Persian
My Friend came to the Tavern, with a goblet in her hand
drunk with the wine, and drinkers drunk, by her eyes' command.
در دیرِ مغان آمد، یارم قدحی در دست
مست از می و میخواران از نرگسِ مستش مست
Within her steed's bright horseshoe, the New Moon's shape I see
beside her stature tall, the Cypress low must be.
در نعلِ سمندِ او شکلِ مهِ نو پیدا
وز قدِ بلندِ او بالایِ صنوبر، پست
How can I say I am? For of myself I have no sign
how can I say I'm not? My gaze is fixed on Her divine.
آخر به چه گویم هست از خود خبرم، چون نیست
وز بَهرِ چه گویم نیست با وی نظرم، چون هست
The Candle of my heart sat down, when She rose up to go
and cries arose from gazing eyes, when She sat down below.
شمعِ دلِ دمسازم، بنشست چو او برخاست
و افغان ز نظربازان، برخاست چو او بنشست
If ambergris is fragrant, 'tis from her scented hair
if kohl draws bows of beauty, 'tis from her eyebrows rare.
گر غالیه خوش بو شد، در گیسویِ او پیچید
ور وَسمه کمانکَش گشت، در ابروی او پیوست
Come back! That Hafez's wasted life may return to his hand
though arrows shot from off the bow, return not to the land.
بازآی که بازآید عمرِ شدهٔ حافظ
هرچند که ناید باز، تیری که بِشُد از شست
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem contains a striking philosophical verse about existence and non-existence: 'what shall I say 'is'? I have no news of myself, since I am not—and for what shall I say 'is not'? My gaze is with her, since she is'—expressing the lover's self-annihilation in the beloved. The image of the new moon in the horseshoe is beautiful and accessible. The poem's play with opposites (sitting/arising, high/low) creates dynamic tension. The final plea for return, acknowledging that time cannot return, is poignant. The poem's philosophical depth and emotional intensity make it engaging.
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