Poem #54
English Translation
Persian
From weeping, my eyes' people sit in pools of blood
see how folk fare in seeking you through grief's harsh flood.
ز گریه مَردُمِ چشمم نشسته در خون است
ببین که در طلبت حالِ مَردُمان چون است
Remembering your ruby lips and wine-drunk eyes so bright
from grief's cup, the ruby wine I drink is blood tonight.
به یادِ لعلِ تو و چشمِ مستِ میگونت
ز جامِ غم، می لعلی که می‌خورم خون است
If from the eastern quarter's head, your face's sun should rise
my fortune turns auspicious beneath propitious skies.
ز مشرقِ سرِ کو آفتابِ طلعتِ تو
اگر طلوع کند، طالعم همایون است
The tale of sweet lips is Farhad's ancient speech
Layla's curling tress is where Majnun finds his reach.
حکایتِ لبِ شیرین، کلام فرهاد است
شِکَنجِ طُرِّهٔ لیلی مقام مجنون است
Seek my heart! Your cypress stature steals hearts away
speak words—your speech is subtle, harmonious display.
دلم بجو که قدت همچو سرو دلجوی است
سخن بگو که کلامت لطیف و موزون است
O Cupbearer! From wine's round, bring comfort to my soul
my anguish comes from Heaven's wheel's unjust control.
ز دورِ باده به جان، راحتی رسان ساقی
که رنجِ خاطرم از جورِ دورِ گردون است
Since that precious river left my eyes in weeping spate
my skirt's edge flows like Jeyhun's river, vast and great.
از آن دمی که ز چشمم برفت رودِ عزیز
کنارِ دامنِ من همچو رودِ جیحون است
How can my grieving heart find joy and celebration
by choice—which lies beyond all choice's station.
چگونه شاد شود اندرونِ غمگینم؟
به اختیار، که از اختیار بیرون است
In selflessness, Hafez seeks the Friend like one who's poor
claiming Qarun's treasure from oblivion's distant shore.
ز بیخودی طلبِ یار می‌کند حافظ
چو مفلسی که طلبکارِ گنجِ قارون است
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem expresses intense grief and longing. The references to Farhad and Majnun, and Layla and Majnun (famous lovers in Persian literature) add cultural depth. The verse 'how can my grieving interior become happy? By choice, which is outside of choice' is a profound paradox about love's nature. The image of tears creating a river like Jeyhun is striking. The final verse's comparison to seeking Qarun's treasure adds biblical resonance. The poem's emotional intensity and cultural references make it engaging.
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