Poem #436
English Translation
Persian
If that musk-scented down had written us a line of grace,
O Wheel of Fate! You would not have erased our humble trace.
آن غالیه‌خط گر سوی ما نامه نوشتی
گردون! ورق هستی ما درننوشتی
Though absence may bring forth the fruit of union in the end,
O Farmer of the World! Would that you hadn't sown this blend.
هر چند که هجران ثمر وصل برآرد
دهقان جهان! کاش که این تخم نکِشتی
Forgiveness is ready cash for him who finds a friend so true,
A house like Paradise on earth, a Houri fair to view.
آمرزش نقد است کسی را که در این جا یاری‌ست
چو حوری و سرایی چو بهشتی
Upon the platform of High Love, no comfort can be found,
No golden pillow for the head, but bricks upon the ground.
در مصطبهٔ عشق تنعم نتوان کرد
چون بالش زر نیست، بسازیم به خشتی
Sell not for Iram's garden or for Shaddad's pride of old,
A bottle of wine, a sweet-lipped friend, and love that we behold.
مفروش به باغ ارم و نخوت شداد
یک شیشه می و نوش‌لبی و لبِ کِشتی
O knowing heart, how long this grief for a world so base and low?
Pity that beauty should love the ugly, and its grace bestow.
تا کی غم دنیای دنی ای دل دانا؟
حیف است ز خوبی که شود عاشق زشتی
The stained cloak is the world's ruin; where can be found today,
A pure-souled traveler of the Heart, to walk the noble way?
آلودگی خرقه، خرابی جهان است
کو راهروی، اهلِ دلی، پاک‌سرشتی؟
O Hafez, why did you let go the tress you held so dear?
'Twas Destiny! What could I do when Fate drew ever near?
از دست چرا هِشت سرِ زلف تو حافظ؟
تقدیر چنین بود، چه کردی که نهِشتی؟
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses longing and acceptance. The verse about asking 'why did you lose the head of your tress from the hand' and saying 'destiny was such, what did you do that you did not hold' is a powerful statement. The reference to the garden of Iram and Shaddad adds cultural depth. The observation that 'forgiveness is cash to anyone that has a friend in this place like a houri and a house like paradise' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of longing and acceptance makes it very engaging.
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