Poem #474
English Translation
Persian
I am your well-wisher, as well you know;
You read the unwritten, see the unseen show.
هواخواه توام جانا و می‌دانم که می‌دانی
که هم نادیده می‌بینی و هم ننوشته می‌خوانی
What does the critic know of Love's domain?
The blind eye sees not secrets deep and plain.
ملامت‌گو چه دریابد میان عاشق و معشوق؟
نبیند چشم نابینا خصوص اسرار پنهانی
Shake loose your tress! Make Sufis dance and spin;
Shake idols from your cloak and let them in.
بیفشان زلف و صوفی را به پابازی و رقص آور
که از هر رقعهٔ دلقش هزاران بت بیفشانی
Our knot of longing lies within your brow;
Open it, Lord, and clear the furrow now.
گشادِ کار مشتاقان در آن ابروی دلبند است
خدا را یک نفس بنشین گره بگشا ز پیشانی
Angels bowed down to Adam for your sake;
Seeing your beauty, earth for heaven mistake.
ملک در سجدهٔ آدم زمین بوس تو نیت کرد
که در حُسن تو لطفی دید بیش از حد انسانی
Your scented tress lights up my darkened eye;
Lord, keep this joy from winds that blow and die.
چراغ افروز چشم ما نسیم زلف جانان است
مباد این جمع را یا رب غم از باد پریشانی
You know not Time's true worth, O Heart, until
you fail and falter on the barren hill.
دریغا عیش شب‌گیری که در خواب سحر بگذشت
ندانی قدر وقت ای دل مگر وقتی که درمانی
To tire of friends is not the skillful way;
Bear the hard road for ease of yesterday.
ملول از همرهان بودن طریق کاردانی نیست
بکش دشواری منزل به یاد عهد آسانی
Hafez, that curled lock is a trickster's ring;
Do not attempt the Impossible to swing.
خیال چنبر زلفش فریبت می‌دهد حافظ
نگر تا حلقهٔ اقبال ناممکن نجنبانی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses devotion and warning. The verse about 'the angel in the prostration of Adam intending earth-kissing of yours, for in your beauty saw a grace more than the human limit' is a powerful statement. The observation that Hafez is told 'look until you don't move the impossible ring of fortune' when 'the image of the curl of the tress deceives you' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of devotion and warning makes it very engaging.
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