Ghazal 271

From the Divan of Hafez · 8 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

I have such complaint of her dark tresses — do not ask —

for so undone have I become by them — do not ask.

Let no one abandon heart and faith in hope of fidelity —

for so regretful am I of having done so — do not ask.

For one sip that harms no one,

I endure such trouble from ignorant people — do not ask.

O ascetic, pass us by in peace — for this ruby wine

takes heart and faith from the hand in such a way — do not ask.

There are such talks on this road that melt the soul —

everyone has some quarrel — see this one, that one — do not ask.

Piety and safety were my desire, but

that bewitching narcissus does such things — do not ask.

I said: Let me ask the sphere of fate about my state —

it said: That which I endure in the curve of the polo-stick — do not ask.

I asked her: In whose blood did you break your tresses? She said:

Hafez, this tale is long — by the Quran — do not ask.

دارم از زلفِ سیاهش گِلِه چندان که مَپُرس

که چُنان ز او شده‌ام بی سر و سامان که مَپُرس

کَس به امّیدِ وفا ترکِ دل و دین مَکُناد

که چُنانم من از این کرده پشیمان که مپرس

به یکی جرعه که آزارِ کَسَش در پِی نیست

زحمتی می‌کشم از مردمِ نادان که مپرس

زاهد از ما به سلامت بگذر کـ‌این مِیِ لعل

دل و دین می‌برد از دست بدان سان که مپرس

گفت‌وگوهاست در این راه که جان بُگْدازد

هر کسی عربده‌ای این که مبین آن که مپرس

پارسایی و سلامت هَوَسم بود، ولی

شیوه‌ای می‌کند آن نرگسِ فَتّان که مپرس

گفتم از گویِ فلک صورتِ حالی پرسم

گفت آن می‌کشم اندر خمِ چوگان که مپرس

گفتمش زلف به خونِ که شکستی؟ گفتا

حافظ این قصه دراز است به قرآن که مپرس

✦

Reflect on This Poem

If this ghazal appeared as your reading today, consider:

Hold a question in your heart — about love, a decision, or your path — and let Hafez speak to you directly.