Poem #481
English Translation
Persian
Listen well: free yourself from grief and sorrow's sway
Else you drink but blood if you do not seek this way.
بشنو این نکته که خود را ز غم آزاده کنی
خون خوری گر طلب روزی ننهاده کنی
At last you shall be clay within the potter's mould
So fill the flagon now with wine, be brave and bold.
آخرالامر گِل کوزه‌گران خواهی شد
حالیا فکر سبو کن که پر از باده کنی
If you are of the race that yearns for Eden’s grace
Then find your joy on earth in a fairy-born embrace.
گر از آن آدمیانی که بهشتت هوس است
عیش با آدمی‌یی چند پری‌زاده کنی
Do not seek the seat of power in vanity and pride
Unless the tools of greatness are gathered by your side.
تکیه بر جای بزرگان نتوان زد به گزاف
مگر اسباب بزرگی همه آماده کنی
Great reward is yours, O monarch of the sweet-lipped throng
If you cast a glance on Farhad, who has suffered long.
اجرها باشدت ای خسرو شیرین‌دهنان
گر نگاهی سوی فرهاد دل‌افتاده کنی
Alas! How can your heart receive the mark of grace divine
Unless you clear the scattered script and let the clean page shine?
خاطرت کی رقم فیض پذیرد، هیهات!
مگر از نقش پراگنده ورق ساده کنی
If you leave your works to Heaven’s grace, Hafez, my friend
What joy you’ll find in fortune that the hands of God send!
کار خود گر به کرم بازگذاری حافظ
ای بسا عیش که با بخت خداداده کنی
Servitude to Jalal al-Din, O breeze of morning, pay
And make the world with lily and with jasmine bright and gay.
ای صبا بندگی خواجه جلال‌الدین کن
که جهان پُر سمن و سوسنِ آزاده کنی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses carpe diem philosophy and contains cultural references. The reference to Farhad adds cultural depth. The reference to Jalal al-Din adds cultural depth. The verse about 'finally you will become the clay of the potters, now make the thought of the jug full of wine' is a powerful statement. The poem's combination of carpe diem philosophy and cultural references makes it very engaging.
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