Poem #437
English Translation
Persian
The tale of Paradise is but a story of your street,
The description of the Houris, but your beauty incomplete.
ای قصهٔ بهشت ز کویت حکایتی
شرح جمال حور ز رویت روایتی
The breath of Jesus is a joke beside your ruby lip,
The Water of Life a fable, compared to what I sip.
انفاس عیسی از لب لعلت لطیفه‌ای
آب خضر ز نوش لبانت کنایتی
Each fragment of my broken heart tells tales of grief and pain,
Each line of your rare qualities, a mercy does contain.
هر پاره از دل من و از غصه قصه‌ای
هر سطری از خصال تو و از رحمت آیتی
When did you perfume the assembly of the souls divine?
Unless the rose borrowed your scent to make the garden shine.
کی عطرسای مجلس روحانیان شدی؟
گل را اگر نه بوی تو کردی رعایتی
We burned in longing for the dust upon the Friend's doorsill,
O Breeze, remind her, for she gave no help to cure this ill.
در آرزوی خاک در یار سوختیم
یاد آور ای صبا که نکردی حمایتی
O heart, your life and knowledge went to waste and wind in vain,
With hundred talents, you achieved no shelter from the rain.
ای دل به هرزه دانش و عمرت به باد رفت
صد مایه داشتی و نکردی کفایتی
The smell of my burning heart has filled the world from side to side,
Perhaps this inner fire will spread and in her heart abide.
بوی دل کباب من آفاق را گرفت
این آتش درون بکند هم سرایتی
If in the fire I see the image of her lovely face,
Come, Saki! For I'll not complain of Hell's dark, burning place.
در آتش ار خیال رخش دست می‌دهد
ساقی بیا که نیست ز دوزخ شکایتی
Do you know what Hafez desires from all this pain and sting?
One glance of love from you, my Dear, and favor from the King.
دانی مراد حافظ از این درد و غصه چیست؟
از تو کرشمه‌ای و ز خسرو عنایتی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses praise and longing. The verse about 'the breath of Jesus from your ruby lip being a subtlety' and 'the water of Khidr from your sweet lips being an allusion' is a powerful statement. The references to Jesus and Khidr add cultural depth. The observation that Hafez asks 'do you know what my desire from this pain and grief is? A coquetry from you and a favor from the king' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of praise and longing makes it very engaging.
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