Ghazal 318

You see me, and every moment you increase my pain —

I see you, and my desire increases every moment.

You do not ask after my state — I do not know what you intend —

you do not strive for my cure — do you not know my pain?

It is not right that you leave me in the dust and flee —

show some regard and ask after me, that I may become the dust of your path.

I will not release your hem from my hand — except in the dust — and even then,

when you pass over my dust, the dust will seize your hem.

My breath has sunk from the grief of your love — how long will you give me false hope? —

you have undone me — will you not say: I have finished him off?

One night in the dark I was searching for my heart in your tresses —

I was seeing your face and drinking a crescent-shaped cup.

I drew you suddenly into my arms, and your hair fell in waves —

I placed my lip on your lip, and sacrificed soul and heart.

Be happy with Hafez — go, tell the rival: give up your life —

for when I see warmth from you, what fear have I of the cold-breathed rival?