Poem #295

At dawn I walked into the garden, seeking the rose's scent

To cure my brain, like the nightingale, with love and passion spent.

I gazed upon the red rose there, in all its beauty bright

Shining like a radiant lamp within the dark of night.

So proud of its own loveliness, its youth and beauty rare

It had no thought for the nightingale, and left him to despair.

The narcissus wept with regret, its eyes with water filled

The tulip bore a hundred scars, by passion's fire instilled.

The lily drew its tongue like a sword, to chide and to complain

The poppy opened wide its mouth, like a shouter in the rain.

One held a flask like a drinker bold, ready to pour the wine

One held a cup like a Saki fair, in a gathering divine.

Seize joy and youth like the fleeting rose, count them a prize to hold

For Hafez has no other truth, and the message has been told.