Poem #333
English Translation
Persian
When I begin the stranger's evening prayer with tears that flow
I weave my tale with exiled lamentations soft and low.
نمازِ شامِ غریبان چو گریه آغازم
به مویه‌هایِ غریبانه قِصه پردازم
For Friend and homeland's memory I weep with such despair
I'd cast aside the paths and rules that travelers elsewhere bear.
به یادِ یار و دیار آنچنان بِگِریَم زار
که از جهان رَه و رسمِ سفر براندازم
I come from the Beloved's land, not some far foreign clime
O Guardian, take me back to friends once more in time.
من از دیارِ حبیبم نه از بِلاد غریب
مُهَیمنا به رفیقانِ خود رسان بازم
For God's sake help me, comrade on the road
that I may hoist my banner in the tavern's favored abode.
خدای را مددی ای رفیقِ رَه
تا من به کویِ میکده دیگر عَلَم برافرازم
When will sober reason tally up my age
while I still play love games with an idol child on stage?
خِرَد ز پیریِ من کِی حساب برگیرد؟
که باز با صَنَمی طفل عشق می‌بازم
No soul knows me save the zephyr and the north wind's art
beloved mine, for only wind keeps company with my heart.
بجز صَبا و شِمالم نمی‌شناسد کس
عزیز من! که بجز باد نیست دَم‌سازم
The air of the Beloved's home is our elixir bright
O breeze, bring me a whisper from Shiraz's sacred light.
هوایِ منزل یار آب زندگانیِ ماست
صبا بیار نسیمی ز خاکِ شیرازم
My tears came forth and told my faults straight to my face
whom can I blame, when my betrayer shares my place?
سِرشکم آمد و عیبم بگفت روی به روی
شکایت از که کنم؟ خانگی‌ست غَمّازَم
From Venus' harp I heard at dawn a melody prolong
'I am the servant of Hafez, sweet of voice and tongue.'
ز چَنگِ زهره شنیدم که صبح‌دم می‌گفت
«غلامِ حافظِ خوش‌لهجهٔ خوش‌آوازم»
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses longing for home and the beloved. The verse about being 'from the land of the beloved' and asking to deliver 'welcome' to friends is a powerful statement. The observation that 'the air of the dwelling of the friend is the water of life' is a profound statement. The reference to Shiraz adds geographical depth. The poem's combination of longing and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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