Ghazal 300

From the Divan of Hafez · 9 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

If a thousand enemies plot my destruction,

if you are my friend, I have no fear of enemies.

The hope of your union keeps me alive —

otherwise, every moment from your separation there is fear of death.

Breath by breath, if from the wind I do not hear her scent,

moment by moment, like the rose, I tear my collar from grief.

Will my two eyes go to sleep from thoughts of you? Never! —

will the heart be patient in your separation? God forbid!

If you strike the wound, it is better than another's balm —

and if you give poison, it is better than another's antidote.

By the blow of your sword my death is our eternal life —

for my spirit is pleased to be your sacrifice.

Do not turn the reins — for if you strike me with the sword,

I will make my head the shield, and not release your stirrup-strap.

You, as you are — how can every gaze behold you? —

each one perceives according to the measure of their knowledge.

In the eyes of the world, Hafez becomes the beloved of the world —

for he lays the face of poverty upon the dust of your door.

هزار دشمنم اَر می‌کنند قصدِ هلاک

گَرَم تو دوستی از دشمنان ندارم باک

مرا امیدِ وصالِ تو زنده می‌دارد

و گر نه هر دَمم از هجرِ توست بیمِ هلاک

نفَس‌نفَس اگر از باد نَشنوم بویش

زمان‌زمان چو گل از غم کُنم گریبان چاک

رَوَد به خواب، دو چشم از خیالِ تو؟ هیهات

بُوَد صبور، دل اندر فراقِ تو؟ حاشاک

اگر تو زخم زَنی، بِهْ که دیگری مَرهم

و گر تو زهر دهی، بِهْ که دیگری تریاک

بِضَربِ سَیْفِکَ قَتْلی حَیاتُنا اَبدا

لِأنَّ روحیَ قَدْ طابَ اَن یَکونَ فِداک

عنان مَپیچ که گر می‌زنی به شمشیرم

سپر کُنم سر و دستت ندارم از فِتراک

تو را چنان که تویی هر نظر کجا بیند؟

به قدرِ دانشِ خود هر کسی کند ادراک

به چشمِ خَلق، عزیزِ جهان شود حافظ

که بر درِ تو نَهد رویِ مَسکَنَت بر خاک

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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