Poem #315
English Translation
Persian
Besides losing faith and learning in this game
come tell me what I've gained from love's sweet flame.
به غیر از آن که بِشُد دین و دانش از دستم
بیا بگو که ز عشقت چه طَرْف بَربَستَم
Though grief for you has scattered all my life's grain
by your dear feet, I swear my vow's not slain.
اگر چه خَرمَنِ عمرم غمِ تو داد به باد
به خاک پایِ عزیزت که عهد نشکستم
Though small as any mote, see by love's sweet grace
I've joined the sun while dancing in your face.
چو ذَرِّه گرچه حقیرم ببین به دولتِ عشق
که در هوایِ رُخَت چون به مِهر پیوستم
Bring wine! A lifetime long I never sought to rest
in safety's corner, seeking joy and pleasure's quest.
بیار باده که عمریست تا من از سَرِ اَمن
به کُنجِ عافیت از بهرِ عیش نَنشَستَم
If you're among the sober folk, O counselor wise
don't waste your words—I'm drunk before your eyes.
اگر ز مردمِ هشیاری ای نصیحت‌گو
سخن به خاک مَیَفکَن چرا که من مستم
How can I raise my shamed head to my Friend's gaze
when no worthy service came from all my days?
چگونه سر ز خجالت برآورم بَرِ دوست
که خدمتی به سزا برنیامد از دستم
Hafez burned in pain, yet that sweet Friend did not say
'I'll send a balm—your broken heart I'll heal today.'
بسوخت حافظ و آن یارِ دلنواز نگفت
که مَرهمی بفرستم که خاطرش خَستم
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses devotion and regret. The verse about being 'like a particle' but in 'the fortune of love' joining 'to the sun in the air of your face' is a powerful statement. The observation that Hafez has not sat 'in the corner of safety for the sake of pleasure for a lifetime' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of devotion and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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