Ghazal 160

From the Divan of Hafez · 7 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

Sweet is solitude, if the beloved is my companion —

not that I should burn while she is the candle of the gathering.

I would not take Solomon's ring for nothing,

if from time to time the hand of a demon should touch it.

God forbid that in the sanctuary of union

the rival should be intimate and deprivation be my share.

Tell the Homa: Never cast the shadow of honor

upon a land where the parrot is less than the crow.

What need to describe my longing? — for the burning of the heart's fire

can be known from the burning that is in the words.

The desire for your lane will not leave my head — yes,

the stranger's bewildered heart is always with its homeland.

Even if Hafez had ten tongues like the lily,

before you, like the rosebud, his lips would be sealed.

خوش است خلوت اگر یار یارِ من باشد

نه من بسوزم و او شمعِ انجمن باشد

من آن نگینِ سلیمان به هیچ نَسْتانَم

که گاه گاه بر او دستِ اهرمن باشد

روا مدار خدایا که در حریمِ وصال

رقیب محرم و حِرمان نصیبِ من باشد

هُمای گو مَفِکَن سایهٔ شرف هرگز

در آن دیار که طوطی کم از زَغَن باشد

بیانِ شوق چه حاجت؟ که سوز آتش دل

توان شناخت ز سوزی که در سخن باشد

هوایِ کویِ تو از سر نمی‌رود آری

غریب را دلِ سرگشته با وطن باشد

به سانِ سوسن اگر دَه‌زبان شود حافظ

چو غنچه پیشِ تواش مُهر بر دهن باشد

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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