Poem #351
English Translation
Persian
God forbid that when the roses bloom I turn from wine
I boast of wit, but such a foolish act is not of mine.
حاشا که من به موسمِ گُل تَرکِ مِی کُنم
من لافِ عقل می‌زنم، این کار کِی کنم
Where is the minstrel? Let my pious scholarship be spent on harp and lute and reed
all in musical abandonment.
مطرب کجاست تا همه محصولِ زهد و عِلم
در کارِ چنگ و بَربَط و آوازِ نِی کُنَم
The school's dull chatter weighs upon my heart today
for a while I'll serve the Beloved and the Cup, and play.
از قیل و قالِ مدرسه حالی دلم گرفت
یک چند نیز خدمتِ معشوق و مِی کنم
When has this fickle age kept faith with anyone? Bring wine
let’s tell of kings and heroes who are gone.
کِی بود در زمانه وفا؟ جامِ مِی بیار
تا من حکایتِ جم و کاووسِ کِی کنم
I fear not the black scroll of sins on Judgment Day
His grace will wash a hundred such dark lists away.
از نامهٔ سیاه نترسم که روزِ حشر
با فیضِ لطفِ او صد از این نامه طِی کنم
Where is the Morning Star, to end this night of separation
and guide me onward with its blessed light?
کو پیک صبح؟ تا گله‌های شبِ فِراق
با آن خجسته طالعِ فرخنده پِی کنم
This borrowed soul the Friend entrusted to my care
one day I’ll see His face and yield it to Him there.
این جانِ عاریت که به حافظ سپرد دوست
روزی رُخش ببینم و تسلیمِ وی کنم
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses the preference for wine and music over asceticism. The verse about not fearing 'the black letter' because with 'the grace of kindness' Hafez can 'erase a hundred from this letter on the day of resurrection' is a powerful statement. The reference to Jam and Kaykavus adds cultural depth. The poem's combination of preference and hope makes it very engaging.