Poem #50
English Translation
Persian
Within your tress's snare, my heart torments its soul
kill it with one glance—this is its destined role.
به دامِ زلفِ تو دل مبتلایِ خویشتن است
بکُش به غمزه که اینَش سزایِ خویشتن است
If you can grant the wishes of our longing mind
be present—for you are the good we seek to find.
گَرَت ز دست برآید مُرادِ خاطرِ ما
به دست باش که خیری به جایِ خویشتن است
By your sweet life, O Idol! Like the candle's flame
my wish is self-annihilation, not worldly fame.
به جانت ای بتِ شیرین دهن که همچون شمع
شبانِ تیره، مُرادم فنایِ خویشتن است
When you resolved to love, I warned you, Nightingale
'Don't! That laughing Rose follows its own trail.'
چو رای عشق زدی با تو گفتم ای بلبل
مَکُن که آن گلِ خندان به رای خویشتن است
The Rose needs not Chinese musk or clay to scent the air
its musk springs from its own robe's binding, rich and rare.
به مُشکِ چین و چِگِل نیست بویِ گُل مُحتاج
که نافه‌هاش ز بندِ قَبایِ خویشتن است
Go not to cruel fate's lords and their merciless halls
your safety's treasure lies within your own four walls.
مرو به خانهٔ اربابِ بی‌مُروتِ دهر
که گنجِ عافیتت در سرایِ خویشتن است
Hafez burned, yet in love's game he keeps his vow
true to his covenant and faithful even now.
بسوخت حافظ و در شرطِ عشقبازیِ او
هنوز بر سرِ عهد و وفایِ خویشتن است
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem uses the repeated phrase 'khishtan' (oneself) creating a reflective quality. The theme of self-annihilation in love is central to Sufi mysticism. The verse about the rose not needing external fragrance because its musk is 'from the binding of its own robe' is a beautiful image of self-sufficiency. The advice not to go to 'merciless lords' but find safety in one's own dwelling is wise and relatable. The final verse about remaining faithful to one's covenant despite burning is a powerful statement of integrity. The poem's mystical and philosophical elements make it engaging.
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