Poem #31
English Translation
Persian
The Night of Power that mystics say is here tonight
O Lord, in which bright star does fortune take its flight?
آن شبِ قدری که گویند اهلِ خلوت امشب است
یا رب این تأثیرِ دولت در کدامین کوکب است؟
That unworthy hands may not reach your tresses fair
every heart forms circles, crying 'O Lord!' in prayer.
تا به گیسویِ تو دستِ ناسزایان کم رسد
هر دلی از حلقه‌ای در ذکرِ یارب یارب است
I'm slain within your dimple's well so deep
where hundred thousand souls in bondage keep.
کشته چاه زنخدان توام کز هر طرف
صد هزارش گردنِ جان زیرِ طوقِ غَبغَب است
My royal knight, whose face the Moon does hold
the Sun's bright crown is dust beneath his steed's horseshoe of gold.
شهسوارِ من که مه آیینه دارِ روی اوست
تاجِ خورشیدِ بلندش خاکِ نعلِ مَرکَب است
See the mole's reflection on that radiant cheek
the Sun burns with fever for that sweat so mild and sweet.
عکسِ خِوی بر عارضَش بین کآفتابِ گرم رو
در هوایِ آن عَرَق تا هست هر روزش تب است
I'll not renounce the Friend's red lips, or wine cup's call
O Ascetics, pardon me! This is my faith, my all.
من نخواهم کرد تَرکِ لعلِ یار و جام می
زاهدان معذور داریدم که اینَم مذهب است
When they saddle up the Wind for Solomon to ride
how shall I keep pace, when an ant's my humble guide?
اندر آن ساعت که بر پشتِ صبا بندند زین
با سلیمان چون برانم من که مورم مرکب است؟
She shoots an arrow at my heart with one sidelong glance
Hafez's soul draws strength from her soft smile's dance.
آن که ناوَک بر دلِ من زیرِ چشمی می‌زند
قوتِ جانِ حافظش در خندهٔ زیر لب است
From Eloquence's beak, the Water of Life does drip
in God's great name, what noble wine flows from my pen's black tip!
آبِ حیوانش ز منقارِ بلاغت می‌چکد
زاغِ کِلکِ من به نام ایزد چه عالی مشرب است
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem references the 'Night of Power' (Laylat al-Qadr), a significant Islamic holy night, adding spiritual context. The verse 'I will not abandon the ruby of the friend and the wine cup—this is my religion' is a bold declaration of personal faith that may resonate with Western readers valuing individual spiritual paths. The reference to Solomon and the ant (biblical/Quranic) adds cross-cultural resonance. The poem's mix of courtly praise (addressing a patron) and personal devotion creates interest. The final verse about the pen having an 'excellent disposition' shows self-awareness and humor.
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