Poem #30
English Translation
Persian
Your tress has tied a thousand hearts with but a single hair
and blocked the path of remedy from all sides, everywhere.
زلفت هزار دل به یکی تار مو ببست
راه هزار چاره‌گر از چار سو ببست
To make the lovers give their lives for scent of breeze so sweet
She opened up a pod of musk, and made desire retreat.
تا عاشقان به بوی نسیمش دهند جان
بگشود نافه‌ای و درِ آرزو ببست
I went insane because my Love, like new moon in the sky
showed but an eyebrow, then a face, then hid it from my eye.
شیدا از آن شدم که نگارم چو ماه نو
ابرو نمود و جلوه گری کرد و رو ببست
The Saki poured the wine in cups, of many colors bright
behold these patterns in the gourd, how pleasant to the sight!
ساقی به چند رنگ می اندر پیاله ریخت
این نقش‌ها نگر که چه خوش در کدو ببست
O Lord! What glance the flagon gave! The wine-jar's blood it caught
and with a gurgling roar, within its throat the knot was wrought.
یا رب چه غمزه کرد صراحی که خونِ خُم
با نعره‌های قلقلش اندر گلو ببست
What tune did the musician play? That in the mystic hall
he silenced all the shouting of the ecstatics, one and all.
مطرب چه پرده ساخت که در پردهٔ سماع
بر اهلِ وجد و حال، درِ های و هو ببست
Hafez! Who practiced not true love, yet sought for union's grace
without ablution, sought to walk the Heart's most holy place.
حافظ هر آن که عشق نورزید و وصل خواست
احرام طوفِ کعبهٔ دل، بی وضو ببست
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem uses rich imagery of hair, musk, and wine to describe the beloved's captivating power. The metaphor of the beloved as the 'new moon' showing only an eyebrow is a classic Persian image of beauty and elusiveness. The description of the wine flask 'gurgling' as if it has a knot in its throat is a creative personification. The final verse compares seeking union without love to performing the Hajj pilgrimage without ritual purity (ablution), emphasizing the sacredness of true love. The poem is musically rich and visually evocative.
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