Ghazal 116

From the Divan of Hafez · 8 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

Whoever keeps the beauty and the down of the friend in view —

it is certain that he holds the harvest of true sight.

Like a pen in the path of her command, I have laid down my head in obedience —

unless she lifts it with the sword.

The one who, like the candle, received permission for your union

is the one who, each moment beneath your blade, holds a new head.

The hand of one reached the kiss of your foot — the one

who, like a threshold, always keeps his head at this door.

I am weary of dry piety — where is pure wine?

For the scent of wine keeps my brain ever moist.

Even if wine gives you nothing else, is this not enough:

that for a moment it keeps you unaware of reason's whisperings?

The one who never set foot outside the path of piety

now sets out with firm resolve toward the tavern.

The broken heart of Hafez will carry to the grave —

like the tulip — the brand of a desire seared upon its liver.

کسی که حُسن و خَطِ دوست در نظر دارد

محقَق است که او حاصل بصر دارد

چو خامه در رهِ فرمانِ او، سرِ طاعت

نهاده‌ایم مگر او به تیغ بردارد

کسی به وصلِ تو چون شمع یافت پروانه

که زیرِ تیغِ تو هر دم سری دگر دارد

به پای‌بوس تو دستِ کسی رسید که او

چو آستانه بدین در، همیشه سر دارد

ز زهدِ خشک ملولم‌، کجاست بادهٔ ناب‌؟

که بویِ باده مدامم دماغ تر دارد

ز باده هیچت اگر نیست، این نه بس که تو را

دمی ز وسوسهٔ عقل بی‌خبر دارد؟

کسی که از رهِ تقوا قدم برون ننهاد

به عزمِ میکده اکنون رهِ سفر دارد

دل‌ِ شکستهٔ حافظ به خاک خواهد برد

چو لاله، داغ هوایی‌، که بر جگر دارد

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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