Ghazal 227

From the Divan of Hafez · 8 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

Though this speech will not sit easy with the city's preacher —

as long as he practices hypocrisy and pretense, he will not be a Muslim.

Learn the rend's way and be generous — for it is no great art:

an animal that does not drink wine does not become human.

A pure jewel is needed to become worthy of grace —

otherwise not every stone and clay becomes pearl and coral.

The Greatest Name will do its own work — be happy, O heart!

For by fraud and tricks, the demon does not become a Muslim.

I practice love, and hope that this noble art

will not, like other skills, become a cause of deprivation.

Last night she said: Tomorrow I will grant your heart's desire —

O God, arrange a means so that she does not become regretful.

I ask God for a good temperament for your nature,

so that our mind is no longer troubled by you.

Until the mote has high aspiration, Hafez,

it will not seek the spring of the shining sun.

گر چه بر واعظِ شهر این سخن آسان نشود

تا ریا وَرزَد و سالوس مسلمان نشود

رندی آموز و کَرَم کُن که نه چندان هنر است

حَیَوانی که ننوشد مِی و انسان نشود

گوهرِ پاک بِباید که شود قابلِ فیض

ور نه هر سنگ و گِلی، لؤلؤ و مرجان نشود

اسمِ اعظم بِکُنَد کارِ خود ای دل! خوش باش

که به تَلبیس و حیَل، دیو مسلمان نشود

عشق می‌ورزم و امّید که این فَنِّ شریف

چون هنرهایِ دگر، موجب حِرمان نشود

دوش می‌گفت که «فردا بدهم کامِ دلت»

سببی ساز خدایا که پشیمان نشود

حُسنِ خُلقی ز خدا می‌طلبم خویِ تو را

تا دگر خاطرِ ما از تو پریشان نشود

ذره را تا نَبوَد همّتِ عالی حافظ

طالبِ چشمهٔ خورشیدِ درخشان نشود

Source: Ganjoor.net

Reflect on This Poem

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  • 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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