Poem #379
English Translation
Persian
My head is high with wine's delight, and loudly I declare
I seek the very Breeze of Life within the goblet there!
سرم خوش است و به بانگ بلند می‌گویم
که من نسیم حیات از پیاله می‌جویم
The sour ascetic's frowning face suits not my morning pain
I serve the joyous tavern crowd, and smile through sun and rain.
عبوس زهد به وجه خمار ننشیند
مرید خرقهٔ دردی‌کشان خوش‌خویم
My wandering has made me famed, a tale for all to call
the Friend's dark eyebrow draws me in, like polo-stick and ball.
شدم فسانه به سرگشتگی و ابروی دوست
کشید در خم چوگان خویش چون گویم
If the Magian Elder opens not his door to my despair
on what other threshold shall I knock? Where shall I seek repair?
گرم نه پیر مغان در به روی بگشاید
کدام در بزنم چاره از کجا جویم
Blame not the wildness of my growth within this garden space
I only grow as I was nursed by Nature's hidden grace.
مکن در این چمنم سرزنش به خودرویی
چنان که پرورشم می‌دهند می‌رویم
Look not at tavern or at mosque as if they stand apart
God is my witness: everywhere, He dwells within my heart.
تو خانقاه و خرابات در میانه مبین
خدا گواه که هر جا که هست با اویم
The dust of seeking is the true elixir of the soul
I serve the fortune of that dust, which makes the spirit whole.
غبار راه طلب کیمیای بهروزیست
غلام دولت آن خاک عنبرین بویم
Longing for Her narcissus eyes, so tall and fair to see
like tulips by the stream I lie, with cup in hand, so free.
ز شوق نرگس مست بلندبالایی
چو لاله با قدح افتاده بر لب جویم
Bring wine! For by Hafez's decree, from hearts made pure and fine
we'll wash the dust of fraud away with floods of ruby wine.
بیار می که به فتوی حافظ از دل پاک
غبار زرق به فیض قدح فروشویم
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses seeking and unity. The verse about being 'with it' in 'every place that is' whether it's 'the monastery or the wine-houses' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'the dust of the path of seeking is the elixir of good fortune' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of seeking and unity makes it very engaging.