Ghazal 142

From the Divan of Hafez · 6 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

Friends — the daughter of the vine repented of her veiling,

went to the morals-police, and arranged things by permission.

She has come from behind the curtain to the gathering — wipe her brow,

lest the companions say: Why did she keep her distance?

Give glad tidings, O heart, for once again love's minstrel

struck a drunken tune and cured the hangover.

Not with seven waters — for its color won't wash out with a hundred fires —

what the grape's wine did to the ascetic's cloak.

The bud of my union's rosebush bloomed from her breeze —

the sweet-singing bird made joy from the petal of the red rose.

Hafez, do not let go of humility, for the envious one

spent honor, wealth, heart, and faith on arrogance.

دوستان دخترِ رَز توبه ز مستوری کرد

شد سویِ محتسب و کار به دستوری کرد

آمد از پرده به مجلس عَرَقَش پاک کنید

تا نگویند حریفان که چرا دوری کرد

مژدگانی بده ای دل که دگر مطربِ عشق

راهِ مستانه زد و چارهٔ مخموری کرد

نه به هفت آب، که رنگش به صد آتش نرود

آن چه با خرقهٔ زاهد، مِی انگوری کرد

غنچهٔ گُلبُنِ وصلم ز نسیمش بِشِکُفت

مرغ خوشخوان طرب از برگِ گلِ سوری کرد

حافظ افتادگی از دست مده زان که حسود

عِرض و مال و دل و دین در سرِ مغروری 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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