Poem #330
English Translation
Persian
You are the dawn, and I'm the candle burning in the night
smile once, and watch my soul surrender to your morning light.
تو همچو صبحی و من شمعِ خلوتِ سَحَرم
تبسمی کن و جان بین که چون همی‌سِپرَم
Your rebellious tresses left their mark upon my heart so deep
when I die, violets will bloom from my grave's eternal sleep.
چُنین که در دلِ من داغِ زلفِ سرکَشِ توست
بنفشه زار شود تُربَتَم چو درگذرم
I've opened wide my eye's door at your desire's sacred gate
cast one glance, though you yourself seem hidden from my gaze's fate.
بر آستانِ مرادَت گشاده‌ام درِ چشم
که یک نظر فِکنی، خود فِکندی از نظرم
How shall I thank you, O sorrow's host (may God forgive your stay)?
In my lonely hours you never leave my head, night or day.
چه شُکر گویمت ای خیلِ غم، عَفاکَ الله
که روزِ بی‌کسی آخر نمی‌روی ز سرم
I'm servant to my pupils' dark sorrow-laden art
a thousand teardrops rain when I recount my heart's hurt.
غلامِ مردمِ چشمم، که با سیاه دلی
هزار قطره بِبارَد چو دردِ دل شِمُرَم
My idol displays such beauty with each glance and graceful bend
yet none perceive this coquetry that I behold without end.
به هر نظر بُت ما جلوه می‌کند، لیکن
کس این کرشمه نبیند که من همی نِگَرَم
If the Beloved passes Hafez's grave like wind through air
from longing in that narrow tomb I'll tear my shroud with care.
به خاکِ حافظ اگر یار بگذرد چون باد
ز شوق در دلِ آن تنگنا کفن بِدَرَم
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains beautiful imagery and profound statements. The verse about the grave becoming 'a violet-field' because 'the scar of your rebellious tress is in my heart' is a striking image. The observation that Hafez has 'opened the door of the eye on the threshold of your desire' so that 'one glance you may cast' is a powerful statement. The poem's combination of imagery and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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