Ghazal 279

From the Divan of Hafez · 9 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

How lovely is Shiraz, and its matchless character —

O Lord, protect it from decline.

From our Roknabad, a hundred praises to God —

whose clear water bestows the life of Khidr.

Between Jafarabad and the prayer-ground,

the north wind comes perfumed with ambergris.

Come to Shiraz and seek the grace of the Holy Spirit

from its people of perfection.

Who brought the name of Egyptian sugar there? —

for the sweet ones gave it no recognition.

O breeze, from that merry, intoxicated gypsy —

what news do you have? How is her state?

If that sweet boy should spill my blood,

O heart, like mother's milk make it lawful for him.

Do not wake me from sleep, for God's sake —

for I have a sweet solitude with her image.

Why, Hafez — since you feared separation —

did you not give thanks for the days of union?

خوشا شیراز و وضعِ بی‌مثالش

خداوندا نگه دار از زَوالش

ز رکن آباد ما صد لوحش الله

که عمرِ خضر می‌بخشد زلالش

میانِ جعفرآباد و مُصَلّا

عبیرآمیز می‌آید شِمالش

به شیراز آی و فیضِ روحِ قدسی

بجوی از مردمِ صاحب کمالش

که نامِ قند مصری برد آنجا؟

که شیرینان ندادند اِنفِعالش

صبا زان لولیِ شنگولِ سرمست

چه داری آگهی؟ چون است حالش؟

گر آن شیرین پسر خونم بریزد

دلا چون شیرِ مادر کن حلالش

مکن از خواب بیدارم خدا را

که دارم خلوتی خوش با خیالش

چرا حافظ چو می‌ترسیدی از هجر

نکردی شُکرِ ایامِ وصالش؟

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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