Ghazal 109

From the Divan of Hafez · 7 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

It has been long since the beloved sent a message —

she wrote no greeting, sent no word.

A hundred letters I sent, and that sovereign rider

dispatched no courier, sent no greeting.

Toward me — wild-natured, reason-fled —

she sent no gazelle-paced one, no partridge-walking messenger.

She knew my heart-bird would fly from my hand,

yet from those chain-like lines she sent no snare.

Alas! That sugar-lipped, intoxicated cupbearer

knew I was hungover, yet sent no cup.

Though I boasted so much of miracles and spiritual stations,

no news of any station was sent to me.

Hafez, be patient — for there is no appeal

if the king sent no message to a slave.

دیر است که دل‌دار پیامی نفرستاد

ننوشت سلامی و کلامی نفرستاد

صد نامه فرستادم و آن شاهِ سواران

پیکی نَدوانید و سلامی نفرستاد

سویِ منِ وحشی‌صفتِ عقل‌رمیده

آهو رَوشی، کبک خرامی نفرستاد

دانست که خواهد شُدنم مرغِ دل از دست

وز آن خطِ چون سلسله دامی نفرستاد

فریاد که آن ساقیِ شِکَّر لبِ سرمست

دانست که مخمورم و جامی نفرستاد

چندان که زدم لافِ کرامات و مقامات

هیچم خبر از هیچ مقامی نفرستاد

حافظ به ادب باش که واخواست نباشد

گر شاه پیامی به غلامی نفرستاد

Source: Ganjoor.net

Reflect on This Poem

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  • Which line stirred something in you — comfort, longing, or unease?
  • What question were you holding when you arrived at this page?
  • What is this poem asking you to release or embrace?

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