Poem #85
English Translation
Persian
We tasted no sip from her ruby lip, and she left
we gazed not our fill on her moon-like face, and she left.
شربتی از لبِ لعلش نچشیدیم و بِرَفت
رویِ مَه پیکرِ او سیر ندیدیم و برفت
It seems she wearied of our company
she packed her burdens, and before we could reach her, she left.
گویی از صحبتِ ما نیک به تنگ آمده بود
بار بربست و به گَردش نرسیدیم و برفت
Though we recited the Fatiha and the Yemeni prayer
though we breathed the Surah of Purity after her, she left.
بس که ما فاتحه و حرزِ یمانی خواندیم
وز پی‌اش سوره اخلاص دمیدیم و برفت
They promised she would pass our way
you see, we bought that promise, yet still she left.
عشوه دادند که بر ما گذری خواهی کرد
دیدی آخر که چنین عشوه خریدیم و برفت
She walked proudly in the garden of beauty and grace
but we never walked in the rose garden of her union, and she left.
شد چمان در چمنِ حسن و لطافت لیکن
در گلستانِ وصالش نَچَمیدیم و برفت
Like Hafez, we wept and lamented all night
'Alas! We did not even bid her farewell,' and she left.
همچو حافظ همه شب ناله و زاری کردیم
کای دریغا به وداعش نرسیدیم و برفت
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem expresses regret at missed opportunities with the beloved. The repeated phrase 'va baroft' (and she went) creates a rhythmic pattern of loss. The references to Fatiha, Yemeni amulet, and Surah Ikhlas (Islamic prayers) add cultural context. The verse about buying 'coquetry' and the beloved still leaving is poignant. The final verse's lament that they didn't even reach farewell is relatable. The poem's theme of missed opportunities and regret is universal and accessible.
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