Ghazal 182

From the Divan of Hafez · 9 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

You did not write a word of your state, and some days have passed —

where is a confidant to send you a few messages?

We cannot reach that lofty goal

unless your grace sets before us a few steps.

Now that wine has passed from jar to jug and the rose has dropped its veil,

guard the chance for pleasure, and drink a few cups.

Sugar mixed with rose is no remedy for our heart —

mix a few kisses with a few curses.

O ascetic, pass safely through the lane of the rends,

lest the company of a few disreputable ones ruin you.

Since you named all of wine's faults, speak of its virtues too —

do not deny wisdom for the sake of a few common hearts.

O beggars of the tavern — God is your friend —

do not look for favors from a few cattle.

How well the old tavern-keeper spoke to his own dregs-drinker:

Do not tell the state of a burnt heart to a few raw ones.

Hafez burned from longing for your radiant face —

O fortunate one, cast a glance toward a few unfortunates.

حَسْبِ حالی نَنِوِشتی و شد ایّامی چند

مَحرمی کو که فرستم به تو پیغامی چند؟

ما بدان مقصدِ عالی نتوانیم رسید

هم مگر پیش نَهَد لطفِ شما گامی چند

چون مِی از خُم به سبو رفت و گُل افکند نقاب

فرصتِ عیش نگه دار و بزن جامی چند

قندِ آمیخته با گُل نه علاجِ دلِ ماست

بوسه‌ای چند برآمیز به دشنامی چند

زاهد از کوچهٔ رندان به سلامت بگذر

تا خرابت نکند صحبتِ بدنامی چند

عیبِ مِی جمله چو گفتی، هنرش نیز بگو

نفیِ حکمت مکن از بهرِ دلِ عامی چند

ای گدایانِ خرابات خدا یارِ شماست

چشمِ اِنعام مدارید ز اَنعامی چند

پیرِ میخانه چه خوش گفت به دُردی‌کشِ خویش

که مگو حالِ دلِ سوخته با خامی چند

حافظ از شوقِ رخِ مِهر‌فروغِ تو بسوخت

کامگارا نظری کن سویِ ناکامی چند

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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