Poem #416
English Translation
Persian
How cool the breeze with ambergris, a scent the heart admires;
It rose within your airy realm at dawn's first rosy fires.
خنک نسیم معنبر شمامه‌ای دل‌خواه
که در هوای تو برخاست بامداد پگاه
Be thou my guide along the path, O bird of happy face;
My eyes have melted into tears for longing of that place.
دلیل راه شو ای طایر خجسته‌لقا
که دیده آب شد از شوق خاک آن درگاه
Recall my wasted body sunk within the heart's red flood;
Now look upon the crescent moon along the skyline stood.
به یاد شخصِ نزارم که غرقِ خونِ دل است
هلال را ز کنار افق کنید نگاه
I breathe without you: endless shame, unless you grant me grace;
What other plea could cleanse my fault or save my ruined face?
منم که بی تو نفس می‌کشم، زهی خجلت
مگر تو عفو کنی ور نه چیست عذر گناه؟
Your lovers schooled the dawn-soft breeze in love's devoted way;
At daybreak it tore open wide its dark and mourning gray.
ز دوستان تو آموخت در طریقت مهر
سپیده دم که صبا چاک زد شعار سیاه
For love of your resplendent face, when from this world I'm hurled,
Let crimson roses bloom from out my grave where grasses curled.
به عشق روی تو روزی که از جهان بروم
ز تربتم بدمد سرخ‌گل به جای گیاه
Do not let sorrow bruise your tender heart because of me;
For Hafez now says “Bismillah” and lets the old griefs flee.
مده به خاطر نازک ملالت از من زود
که حافظ تو خود این لحظه گفت «بسم الله»
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains Arabic phrases and profound statements. The Arabic phrase 'In the name of God' adds cultural depth. The verse about 'red rose blowing from my grave in the place of plant' when 'going from the world to the love of your face' is a powerful statement. The observation that Hafez asks 'what is the excuse of sin' if the beloved doesn't forgive when he 'draws breath without you' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of Arabic phrases and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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