Ghazal 230

From the Divan of Hafez · 9 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

If my heart is drawn to musky wine, it is fitting —

for no scent of good comes from hypocritical piety.

Even if all the people of the world forbid me love,

I will do what the Lord commands.

Do not lose hope of the bounty of grace — for the generous nature

will forgive sin and show mercy to lovers.

The heart dwells in the circle of remembrance, in the hope

that it may open a ring from the tip of the beloved's tresses.

You who have God-given beauty and the bridal chamber of fortune —

what need is there for a cosmetician to adorn you?

The garden is pleasant, the air charming, and the wine pure —

now nothing is needed but a happy heart.

The bride of the world is beautiful — but be aware

that this veiled one enters no one's bond.

With pleas I said to her: O moon-face, what would it be if

by one sweetness a heartbroken one could find rest?

With a laugh she said: God forbid, Hafez —

that your kiss should stain the face of the moon.

اگر به بادهٔ مُشکین دلم کشد، شاید

که بویِ خیر ز زهدِ ریا نمی‌آید

جهانیان همه گر منعِ من کنند از عشق

من آن کنم که خداوندگار فرماید

طمع ز فیضِ کرامت مَبُر که خُلقِ کریم

گنه ببخشد و بر عاشقان بِبَخشاید

مقیمِ حلقهٔ ذکر است دل بدان امّید

که حلقه‌ای ز سرِ زلفِ یار بگشاید

تو را که حُسنِ خداداده هست و حجلهٔ بخت

چه حاجت است که مَشّاطِه‌ات بیاراید

چمن خوش است و هوا دلکَش است و مِی بی‌غَش

کنون به جز دلِ خوش هیچ در نمی‌باید

جمیله‌ایست عروسِ جهان، ولی هُش دار

که این مُخَدَّره در عقدِ کس نمی‌آید

به لابه گفتمش ای ماهرُخ چه باشد اگر

به یک شِکَر ز تو دلخسته‌ای بیاساید

به خنده گفت که حافظ خدای را مَپسَند

که بوسهٔ تو رخِ ماه را بیالاید

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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