Poem #487
English Translation
Persian
O you who know not, strive until the Truth you know
Unless you walk the Path yourself, how can you show where to go?
ای بی‌خبر بکوش که صاحب‌خبر شوی
تا راهرو نباشی کی راهبر شوی؟
In the school of Truth, before the Teacher of Love’s art
Strive, my son, that one day you may play the father's part.
در مکتب حقایق پیش ادیب عشق
هان ای پسر بکوش که روزی پدر شوی
Wash hands of copper self, like those who walk the Way
Till Love’s rare alchemy turns you to gold one day.
دست از مسِ وجود چو مردان ره بشوی
تا کیمیای عشق بیابی و زر شوی
Your sleep and gluttony have kept you from your station high
You’ll reach your self when food and sleep are passing by.
خواب و خورت ز مرتبهٔ خویش دور کرد
آن گه رسی به خویش که بی خواب و خور شوی
If on your heart and soul the light of God’s love falls
By God! You’ll shine more bright than sun in heaven’s halls.
گر نور عشق حق به دل و جانت اوفتد
بالله کز آفتاب فلک خوب‌تر شوی
Drown in God’s ocean for a breath, and have no fear or doubt
The seven seas can never wet a hair when you come out.
یک دم غریق بحر خدا شو گمان مبر
کز آب هفت بحر به یک موی تر شوی
From head to foot you shall become God’s pure and holy light
When on His path you lose yourself and vanish from your sight.
از پای تا سرت همه نور خدا شود
در راه ذوالجلال چو بی پا و سر شوی
If God’s own Face becomes the object of your gazing eye
No doubt remains that you are one with vision clear and high.
وجه خدا اگر شودت منظر نظر
زین پس شکی نماند که صاحب‌نظر شوی
When the foundation of your life is shaken and o'erturned
Fear not destruction, for a higher state is earned.
بنیاد هستی تو چو زیر و زبر شود
در دل مدار هیچ که زیر و زبر شوی
Hafez, if in your head the wind of union blows its grace
Become the dust upon the threshold of the Master's place.
گر در سرت هوای وصال است حافظا
باید که خاک درگه اهل هنر شوی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains Arabic phrases and expresses mysticism. The Arabic phrase 'By God' adds cultural depth. The verse about 'becoming drowned of the sea of God for one breath' and 'not thinking that you become wet to one hair from the water of seven seas' is a powerful statement. The observation that Hafez is told 'if the air of union is in your head, you must become the earth of the threshold of the people of art' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of Arabic phrases and mysticism makes it very engaging.