Poem #466
English Translation
Persian
Better this cloak I wear be pawned for wine
better this senseless book in vat of vine.
این خرقه که من دارم در رهن شراب اولی
وین دفتر بی‌معنی غرق می ناب اولی
My life I wasted, looking back I see
better a drunkard's ruined corner be.
چون عمر تبه کردم چندان که نگه کردم
در کنج خراباتی افتاده خراب اولی
Dervish and prudence are worlds apart, 'tis true
better a fire-filled chest and tears like dew.
چون مصلحت اندیشی دور است ز درویشی
هم سینه پر از آتش هم دیده پرآب اولی
I will not tell the ascetic's tale to men
better to sing it with the harp again.
من حالت زاهد را با خلق نخواهم گفت
این قصه اگر گویم با چنگ و رباب اولی
Since Fortune's wheel spins wild and out of hand
better with wine and Love to take our stand.
تا بی سر و پا باشد اوضاع فلک زین دست
در سر هوس ساقی در دست شراب اولی
I cannot tear my heart from one so fair
better to bear the load of that dark hair.
از همچو تو دلداری دل برنکنم آری
چون تاب کشم باری زان زلف به تاب اولی
Hafez, leave youth's wild ways when you are old
better in spring was love and wine so bold.
چون پیر شدی حافظ از میکده بیرون آی
رندی و هوسناکی در عهد شباب اولی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses acceptance and wisdom. The verse about telling Hafez 'when you became old, come out from the wine-house, libertinism and desire in the era of youth is better' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'this cloak in pledge of wine is better and this book without meaning drowned of pure wine is better' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of acceptance and wisdom makes it very engaging.
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