Poem #86
English Translation
Persian
O Cupbearer, come! The Friend has lifted the veil from her face
the lamp of the recluse shines bright once more.
ساقی بیا که یار ز رخ پرده برگرفت
کارِ چراغ خلوتیان باز درگرفت
That glowing candle has kindled her face again
and this age-worn elder has found his youth anew.
آن شمعِ سرگرفته دگر چهره برفروخت
وین پیرِ سال‌خورده جوانی ز سر گرفت
Love's coquetry led the Mufti astray
the Friend's grace made even the enemy wary.
آن عشوه داد عشق که مفتی ز ره برفت
وان لطف کرد دوست که دشمن حذر گرفت
Beware that sweet, heart-deceiving smile
as if your pistachio mouth spoke only in sugar.
زنهار از آن عبارتِ شیرینِ دل‌فریب
گویی که پستهٔ تو سخن در شکر گرفت
The heavy grief that wearied our hearts
God sent a breath like Jesus to lift it away.
بارِ غمی که خاطرِ ما خسته کرده بود
عیسی‌دمی خدا بفرستاد و برگرفت
Every cypress-tall beauty who sold charms to the moon and sun
found other work when you appeared.
هر سروقد که بر مَه و خور حسن می‌فروخت
چون تو درآمدی پیِ کاری دگر گرفت
The seven domes of heaven ring with this tale
O short-sighted one, see how brief the telling.
زین قصه هفت گنبدِ افلاک پرصداست
کوته‌نظر ببین که سخن مختصر گرفت
Hafez, from whom did you learn this song?
For Fortune has made your verse an amulet set in gold.
حافظ تو این سخن ز که آموختی؟
که بخت تعویذ کرد شعرِ تو را و به زر گرفت
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem celebrates the beloved's return. The verse about the 'year-worn elder' taking up 'youth from the head' is a beautiful image of rejuvenation. The reference to a 'Jesus-breath' taking up the burden of grief adds spiritual dimension. The verse about the beloved's 'pistachio' taking up 'speech in sugar' is a playful image. The final verse about fortune making an amulet of Hafez's poetry and taking it in gold is a confident statement. The poem's celebration of reunion is accessible and relatable.
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