Poem #328
English Translation
Persian
Who am I to cross through that fragrant heart's desire?
You show such kindness—your threshold's dust crowns my head entire.
من که باشم که بر آن خاطرِ عاطِر گذرم؟
لطف‌ها می‌کنی ای خاکِ دَرَت، تاجِ سرم
Beloved, tell me who taught you such tender care?
I'd never think your rivals schooled you in this gentle affair.
دلبرا بنده نوازیت که آموخت؟ بگو
که من این ظَن، به رقیبانِ تو هرگز نَبَرم
O sacred bird, escort me on this quest I've just begun
the path toward my destination is long, and I'm a traveler new upon.
همتم بدرقهٔ راه کن ای طایرِ قدس
که دراز است رَهِ مقصد و من نوسفرم
O dawn breeze, deliver my devotion to the One I adore
don't forget me in that hour when I pray at dawn's door.
ای نسیمِ سحری بندگیِ من برسان
که فراموش مکن وقتِ دعایِ سحرم
Blessed the day when I depart from this life's weary station
and friends ask news of me at your street's blessed destination.
خُرَم آن روز کز این مرحله بَربَندَم بار
و از سرِ کوی تو پرسند رفیقان خبرم
O Hafez, perhaps if I seek union's precious pearl divine
I'll make my eyes a sea of tears and dive to claim what's mine.
حافظا شاید اگر در طلبِ گوهرِ وصل
دیده دریا کُنم از اشک و در او غوطه خورم
My poetry's foundation is lofty and world-embracing
speak on until the ocean king fills my mouth with pearls amazing.
پایهٔ نظم بلند است و جهان گیر بگو
تا کُند پادشهِ بحر دهان پُر گهرم
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses humility and devotion. The verse about asking 'who am I that I may pass on that fragrant heart' and saying 'the earth of your door is the crown of my head' is a powerful statement. The observation that Hafez may make 'the eye a sea from tears' and 'dive in it' when seeking 'the gem of union' is a striking image. The poem's combination of humility and devotion makes it very engaging.
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