Poem #302
English Translation
Persian
O northern breeze, bring news of joy and grace,
The time of union comes, I see her face.
خوش خبر باشی ای نسیمِ شِمال
که به ما می‌رسد زمانِ وصال
The tale of love knows no end or severing part,
Here speech falls silent, speaking from the heart.
قصّةُ الْعِشق، لَا انْفِصامَ لَها
فَصَمَت ها هُنا لسانَ القال
Where now is Salma? Where the camp of Dhu Salam?
Where are the neighbors gone? How fares the calm?
ما لِسَلمی و من بِذی سَلَمٍ
أینَ جِیرانُنا و کَیفَ الْحال
The house is empty now, where once was life and light;
Ask of the ruins how they bear the lonely night.
عَفَتِ الدارُ بَعدَ عافیةٍ
فَاسألوا حالَها عَنِ الاَطْلال
In perfect beauty you have reached your heart's desire;
May God avert the evil eye's consuming fire.
فی جَمالِ الکمالِ نِلتَ مُنی
صَرَّفَ اللهُ عَنکَ عَینَ کمال
O messenger from the sanctuary, God keep you well!
Welcome, thrice welcome! Come, your story tell.
یا بَریدَ الْحِمی حَماکَ الله
مرحباً مرحباً تَعال تَعال
The banquet hall is empty, the friends have gone away,
Yet still the brimming cup awaits the break of day.
عرصهٔ بزمگاه خالی ماند از حریفان
و جامِ مالامال
The night of separation casts its shadow deep and long;
How fare the phantom travelers in this dark and silent throng?
سایه افکند حالیا شبِ هجر
تا چه بازَند شبرُوانِ خیال
Our Turk deigns not to glance at any passerby;
Alas for such great pride, that holds its head so high!
تُرکِ ما سویِ کَس نمی‌نِگرد
آه از این کبریا و جاه و جلال
Hafez, how long this love and patience? Weep and sigh!
Sweet is the lover's wail that rises to the sky.
حافظا عشق و صابری تا چند؟
نالهٔ عاشقان خوش است، بِنال
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains extensive Arabic phrases and profound statements. The Arabic verses add cultural depth and create a sense of classical Arabic poetry. The verse about the 'space of the assembly-place remaining empty from the companions' while 'the cup is full' is a striking image. The observation that Hafez asks 'love and patience, until when?' is a powerful statement. The poem's combination of Arabic phrases and emotional expression makes it very engaging.