Ghazal 134

From the Divan of Hafez · 7 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

A nightingale drank a heart's blood and produced a rose —

the wind of jealousy made it anxious with a hundred thorns.

A parrot was happy in the fancy of some sugar —

suddenly the flood of annihilation destroyed its hope's design.

The light of my eye, that fruit of the heart — may it be remembered —

how easily it departed and made my work so hard.

O camel-driver! My load has fallen — for God's sake, help!

For hope of grace made me a companion of this caravan.

Do not scorn my dusty face and the moisture of my eyes —

the turquoise sky made its pleasure-hall from this clay.

Alas and outcry! From the jealous eye of heaven's moon,

my crescent-browed moon was made to dwell in the grave.

I did not play my king — the chance was lost for Hafez —

what can I do? The game of time made me unaware.

بلبلی خونِ دلی خورد و گلی حاصل کرد

بادِ غیرت به صدش خار، پریشان‌دل کرد

طوطیی را به خیالِ شکری، دل‌خوش بود

ناگَهَش سیلِ فنا نقشِ اَمَل، باطل کرد

قُرَّةُ الْعینِ من، آن میوهٔ دل، یادش باد

که چه آسان بشد و کارِ مرا مشکل کرد

ساروان! بارِ من افتاد، خدا را مددی

که امیدِ کَرَمَم همرهِ این مَحمِل کرد

رویِ خاکی و نمِ چشمِ مرا خوار مدار

چرخ فیروزه، طرب‌خانه از این کَهگِل کرد

آه و فریاد که از چشمِ حسودِ مهِ چرخ

در لحد، ماهِ کمان‌ابرویِ من منزل کرد

نزدی شاه‌رخ و فوت شد امکان حافظ

چه کنم؟ بازی ایام مرا غافل کرد

Source: Ganjoor.net

Reflect on This Poem

If this ghazal appeared as your reading today, consider:

  • 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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