Poem #89
English Translation
Persian
O God, grant that my Friend returns in safety
and frees me from the bonds of reproach.
یا رب سببی ساز که یارم به سلامت بازآید
و بِرهانَدَم از بندِ مَلامت
Bring dust from the road of that traveled Friend
that I may make my world-seeing eye her dwelling place.
خاکِ رهِ آن یارِ سفرکرده بیارید
تا چشمِ جهان بین کُنَمَش جایِ اقامت
Alas! They have blocked my path from six directions
that mole, that down, that tress, that face, that cheek, that stature.
فریاد که از شش جهتم راه بِبَستند
آن خال و خط و زلف و رخ و عارض و قامت
Today, while I am in your hands, show kindness
tomorrow, when I am dust, what use are tears of regret?
امروز که در دستِ توام مرحمتی کن
فردا که شَوَم خاک چه سود اشکِ ندامت
O you who preach of love with mere words
we have nothing to say to you. Go in peace.
ای آن که به تقریر و بیان دم زنی از عشق
ما با تو نداریم سخن، خیر و سلامت
O dervish, do not lament the Beloved's sword
for this tribe exacts a price even from the slain.
درویش مکن ناله ز شمشیرِ اَحِبّا
کاین طایفه از کشته ستانند غرامت
Set fire to the dervish cloak! For the curve of the Cupbearer's eyebrow
shatters the prayer-niche of the Imam.
در خرقه زن آتش که خمِ ابرویِ ساقی
بر می‌شکند گوشهٔ محراب امامت
God forbid I should complain of your tyranny
the cruelty of the beautiful is all grace and generosity.
حاشا که من از جور و جفای تو بنالم
بیدادِ لطیفان همه لطف است و کرامت
Hafez, the tale of your tress will never end
this chain stretches unbroken until the Day of Doom.
کوته نکند بحث سرِ زلف تو حافظ
پیوسته شد این سلسله تا روزِ قیامت
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem is a prayer for the beloved's return. The verse about the beloved's features closing 'the path from the six directions' is a striking image of being surrounded by beauty. The observation that 'the tyranny of the delicate ones is all grace and generosity' is a beautiful paradox. The verse about the cupbearer's eyebrow breaking 'the corner of the prayer-niche of imamate' is a powerful fusion of religious and romantic imagery. The final verse about the discussion of the tress being continuous 'until the Day of Resurrection' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of prayer and devotion makes it engaging.
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