Ghazal 331

From the Divan of Hafez · 7 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

If she slays me with the sword, I will not hold back her hand —

and if she strikes me with an arrow, I will accept it with gratitude.

Tell the bow of her brow to shoot its arrow —

that I may die before her arm and hand.

If the grief of the world brings me to my knees,

who but the goblet will be my support?

Arise, O sun of the morning of hope —

for I am captive in the hand of the night of separation.

Come to my aid, O elder of the tavern —

with one draught make me young, for I am old.

By your tresses I swore last night

that I will not raise my head from your foot.

Burn this cloak of piety, you, Hafez —

for even if I become fire, it will not catch on it.

به تیغم گَر کشد دستش نگیرم

وگر تیرم زَنَد منّت پذیرم

کمانِ ابرویت را گو بزن تیر

که پیشِ دست و بازویت بمیرم

غمِ گیتی گر از پایم درآرد

بجز ساغر که باشد دستگیرم؟

برآی ای آفتابِ صبحِ امّید

که در دستِ شبِ هجران اسیرم

به فریادم رَس ای پیرِ خرابات

به یک جرعه جوانم کن که پیرم

به گیسویِ تو خوردم دوش سوگند

که من از پایِ تو سر بر نگیرم

بسوز این خرقهٔ تقوا تو حافظ

که گر آتش شَوَم در وی نگیرم

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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