Ghazal 236

If that holy bird returns from my door,

my spent life will return to me in old age.

I hold hope on these rain-like tears — that again

the lightning of fortune that left my sight will return.

The one whose foot's dust was the crown of my head —

I ask God that she return to me.

I wish to follow in her wake — to dear friends I say:

if my person does not return, at least my news will.

If I do not scatter the jewel of my soul at the feet of the precious friend,

for what other purpose would it return to me?

I will beat the drum of new fortune from the roof of happiness,

if I see that my newly-traveled moon returns.

What prevents her is the harp's commotion and the sweet sleep of morning drink —

otherwise, if she heard my dawn sigh, she would return.

Longing for the face of the king, moon-like, is Hafez's state —

an aspiration — that in safety she return from my door.