Poem #337
English Translation
Persian
Why should I not depart toward my homeland once again
why should I not be dust before my Beloved's lane?
چرا نه در پِیِ عزمِ دیارِ خود باشم
چرا نه خاکِ سرِ کویِ یارِ خود باشم
Since exile's grief and strangeness I no longer can endure
I'll head back to my city and be my monarch sure.
غمِ غریبی و غربت چو بر نمی‌تابم
به شهرِ خود رَوَم و شهریارِ خود باشم
Make me of the intimates behind union's secret veil
a servant of my sovereign Lord whose mercy will prevail.
ز مَحرمان سراپردهٔ وصال شَوَم
ز بندگانِ خداوندگارِ خود باشم
When life's affair stays hidden, this is surely best
that on the Reckoning I stand before my cherished guest.
چو کار عمر نه پیداست باری آن اولی
که روزِ واقعه پیشِ نگارِ خود باشم
If sluggish fortune and disorder draw complaint from me
I'll keep it to myself and guard my secrecy.
ز دستِ بختِ گران‌خواب و کارِ بی‌سامان
گَرَم بُوَد گِلَه‌ای رازدارِ خود باشم
My craft has always been lover's art and roguish play
I'll labor now and tend to my own task each day.
همیشه پیشهٔ من عاشقی و رندی بود
دگر بکوشم و مشغولِ کارِ خود باشم
Perhaps eternal grace will guide you, Hafez, home
else for all ages I'll be shamed within my soul.
بُوَد که لطفِ ازل رهنمون شود حافظ
وگرنه تا به ابد شرمسارِ خود باشم
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses longing for home and reflection. The verse about asking 'why not be the earth of the head of the quarter of my friend' is a powerful statement. The observation that Hafez's 'profession was always love and libertinism' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of longing and reflection makes it very engaging.
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