Ghazal 187

From the Divan of Hafez · 7 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

O heart, burn — for your burning accomplishes things —

the midnight's devotion wards off a hundred afflictions.

Bear the fairy-faced beloved's reproach like a lover,

for one wink makes up for a hundred cruelties.

From earth to heaven they will lift the veil for the one

who serves the world-revealing cup.

The physician of love is Christ-breathed and compassionate, but

if he sees no pain in you, whom shall he cure?

Cast your affairs upon God and keep your heart happy,

for if the pretender shows no mercy, God will.

I am weary of sleeping fortune — might it be that wakefulness

at the time of dawn's opening prayer could offer one supplication?

Hafez burned, and no scent reached the beloved's tresses —

perhaps the breeze will serve as guide to this fortune.

دلا بسوز که سوزِ تو کارها بِکُنَد

نیازِ نیمْ‌شبی دفعِ صد بلا بِکُنَد

عِتابِ یارِ پری‌چهره عاشقانه بکَش

که یک کرشمه تلافیِّ صد جفا بکُند

ز مُلک تا ملکوتش حجاب بردارند

هر آن که خدمتِ جامِ جهان‌نما بکُند

طبیبِ عشق مسیحا‌دَم است و مُشفِق، لیک

چو دَرد در تو نبیند که را دوا بکُند؟

تو با خدایِ خود انداز کار و دل خوش دار

که رحم اگر نکند مُدَّعی‌، خدا بکُند

ز بختِ خفته ملولم، بُوَد که بیداری

به وقتِ فاتحهٔ صبح، یک دعا بکُند؟

بسوخت حافظ و بویی به زلفِ یار نَبُرد

مگر دِلالتِ این دولتش صبا بکُند

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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