Poem #417
English Translation
Persian
My pleasure is a constant feast from ruby lips I crave;
My every task fulfills my wish—alhamdulillah, I rave.
عیشم مدام است، از لعل دل‌خواه
کارم به کام است، الحمدلله
O stubborn Fortune, draw it in and tighten at my side;
At times the golden-brimming cup, at times the ruby bride.
ای بخت سرکش! تنگش به بَر کش
گه جام زرکش، گه لعل دل‌خواه
The ignorant elders made us myths of revelry and wine;
Misguided sheikhs who never tasted love's enduring sign.
ما را به رندی، افسانه کردند
پیران جاهل، شیخان گمراه
We turned from dealings with the saint and took repentance' way;
From worshipper's pretended acts—astaghfirullah we say.
از دست زاهد، کردیم توبه
و از فعل عابد، استغفرالله
Beloved, how shall I relate the grief your absence brought?
One eye with hundred dewy tears, one soul with sighs distraught.
جانا چه گویم؟ شرح فراقت
چشمی و صد نم، جانی و صد آه
O let no infidel behold the grief my eyes have known;
Your cypress stature struck my heart, your moonlit cheek has shown.
کافر مبیناد، این غم که دیده‌ست
از قامتت سرو، از عارضت ماه
Desire for your enchanting lip from Hafez' mind has drawn
His midnight lesson and the prayer he whispered before dawn.
شوق لبت برد، از یاد حافظ
درس شبانه، ورد سحرگاه
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains Arabic phrases and expresses contentment. The Arabic phrases 'Praise be to God' and 'I seek forgiveness from God' add cultural depth. The verse about the 'longing of your lip taking from Hafez's memory the lesson of night and the prayer of dawn' is a powerful statement. The poem's combination of Arabic phrases and contentment makes it very engaging.