Poem #482
English Translation
Persian
O heart, you do not wander where the paths of love extend
You have the means, yet leave the work unfinished to the end.
ای دل به کوی عشق گذاری نمی‌کنی
اسباب جمع داری و کاری نمی‌کنی
The polo stick of fate is yours, the ball lies on the field
Yet you strike not for victory, nor make the quarry yield.
چوگان حکم در کف و گویی نمی‌زنی
باز ظفر به دست و شکاری نمی‌کنی
This blood that surges in your veins, a restless, crimson tide
Why spend it not on colors where the scent of love resides?
این خون که موج می‌زند اندر جگر تو را
در کار رنگ و بوی نگاری نمی‌کنی
The breath of creation bears no musk, no scent of sweet perfume
For like the breeze, you do not drift past where the Roses bloom.
مشکین از آن نشد دمِ خلقت که چون صبا
بر خاک کوی دوست گذاری نمی‌کنی
I fear you’ll gather not a rose from this enchanted bower
For you refuse to bear the thorn to pluck the perfect flower.
ترسم کز این چمن نبری آستین گل
کز گلشنش تحملِ خاری نمی‌کنی
A hundred pods of musk are hid within your soul’s deep sleeve
Yet not one grain you offer for the locks of those you grieve.
در آستین جان تو صد نافه مدرج است
وان را فدای طرهٔ یاری نمی‌کنی
You cast the lovely goblet and the wine upon the dust
And fear no morning headache from the frenzy of your lust.
ساغر لطیف و دلکش و می افکنی به خاک
واندیشه از بلای خماری نمی‌کنی
Go, Hafez, serve the Monarch of the Age with humble heart
Though all the world may serve him well, you have not done your part.
حافظ برو که بندگی پادشاه وقت
گر جمله می‌کنند تو باری نمی‌کنی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses reproach and urgency. The verse about telling the heart 'you have gathered means and don't do work' and 'you don't do passing to the quarter of love' is a powerful statement. The observation that Hafez is told 'go, for servitude of the king of the time, if all do, you finally don't do' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of reproach and urgency makes it very engaging.
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