Poem #67
English Translation
Persian
O Lord! This heart-illuming candle—from whose dwelling came
our souls burn bright—ask whose beloved bears this flame!
یا رب این شمع دل‌افروز ز کاشانهٔ کیست؟
جانِ ما سوخت، بپرسید که جانانهٔ کیست؟
Now she destroys my heart and faith with reckless art
in whose embrace does she sleep? Whose housemate is her heart?
حالیا خانه‌براندازِ دل و دین من است
تا در آغوشِ که می‌خسبد و هم‌خانهٔ کیست؟
Wine of her ruby lips—may it never leave mine near
whose soul's comfort? Whose cup does she fill year after year?
بادهٔ لعلِ لبش کز لبِ من دور مباد
راحِ روحِ که و پیمان‌دهٔ پیمانهٔ کیست？
The fortune of that radiant candle's company
ask God again—to whose moth does it decree?
دولتِ صحبتِ آن شمعِ سعادت‌پرتو
باز پرسید خدا را که به پروانهٔ کیست؟
Each one enchants her with a spell, yet none can tell
to whose tale does her tender heart incline so well?
می‌دهد هر کَسَش افسونی و معلوم نشد
که دلِ نازکِ او مایلِ افسانهٔ کیست!
O Lord! That royal moon-face, Venus-browed so fair
whose unique pearl? Whose singular jewel beyond compare?
یا رب آن شاه‌وَشِ ماه‌رخِ زهره‌جبین
دُرِّ یکتایِ که و گوهر یک‌دانهٔ کیست؟
I sighed: 'Alas for Hafez's mad heart without you!'
She laughed beneath her breath: 'Whose madman speaks this true?'
گفتم آه از دلِ دیوانهٔ حافظ بی‌تو
زیرِ لب خنده‌زنان گفت که دیوانهٔ کیست؟
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem uses a series of questions creating a sense of mystery and longing. The repeated question 'whose is it?' creates a rhythmic, searching quality. The final verse's playful response—'whose mad one is it?'—shows the beloved's wit and adds humor. The poem's structure as a series of questions about the beloved's ownership/connection is accessible. The reference to the candle and moth is a classic image. The poem's combination of mystery, longing, and humor makes it engaging.
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