Poem #290
English Translation
Persian
My heart has fled, and I, poor wretch, know not where it has gone
What fate befell that hunted thing, bewildered and alone?
دلم رمیده شد و غافلم منِ درویش
که آن شِکاریِ سرگشته را چه آمد پیش
I tremble like a willow-bough for my religion's sake
For her bow-eyebrow holds my heart, and faith begins to break.
چو بید بر سرِ ایمانِ خویش می‌لرزم
که دل به دستِ کمان‌ابروییست کافِرکیش
This drop of water dreams it has the patience of the sea
Alas, what vain, impossible thoughts in its small head can be!
خیال حوصلهٔ بحر می‌پزد هیهات
چه‌هاست در سرِ این قطرهٔ مُحال‌اندیش!
I praise that playful eyelash sword that murders peace and rest
Though sweet water waves upon its sting to heal the breast.
بنازم آن مژهٔ شوخِ عافیت‌کُش را
که موج می‌زندش آبِ نوش، بر سرِ نیش
A thousand drops of blood would drip from any doctor's sleeve
If he should touch my torn heart and its agony perceive.
ز آستینِ طبیبان هزار خون بچکد
گَرَم به تجربه دستی نهند بر دلِ ریش
To the tavern I go weeping, with my head bowed down in shame
For I blush at what my life has been, and my unworthy name.
به کویِ میکده گریان و سرفِکنده رَوَم
چرا که شرم همی‌آیدم ز حاصلِ خویش
Khizr's life will not endure, nor Alexander's throne
Dispute not for this base world's prize, but leave it all alone.
نه عمرِ خِضر بِمانَد، نه مُلکِ اسکندر
نزاع بر سرِ دنیی دون مَکُن درویش
Hafez, that belt is not for you, nor every beggar's hold
Go, seek a treasury within, worth more than Qarun's gold.
بدان کمر نرسد دستِ هر گدا حافظ
خزانه‌ای به کف آور ز گنجِ قارون بیش
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains cultural references and profound statements. The reference to Khizr and Alexander adds mythological depth. The verse about not doing 'dispute on the head of the base world' because 'neither the life of Khizr will remain, nor the kingdom of Alexander' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'the image of the patience of the sea cooks' and asking 'what is in the head of this impossible-thinking drop' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of cultural references and wisdom makes it very engaging.