Ghazal 344

It has been a lifetime that I, in seeking, take a step each day —

every moment I stretch the hand of intercession toward good repute.

Without my love-kindling moon, to pass my days,

I set a trap on one road, and catch a bird in another trap.

Where is the throne? Where is the rose-face? Where is the image of fidelity and love? —

for now, in love, I am playing for the whole stake.

In hope of getting news of the shadow of the tall cypress,

I sing the anthem of love from every direction to a fair walker.

Though I know that resting-place of the heart will not grant the heart's desire,

I draw an image of fancy and cast an omen of permanence.

I know it will bring grief to a head and raise the tale to color —

this blood-scattering sigh that I heave every dawn and evening.

Though I am absent from her, and like Hafez abstaining from wine,

in the assembly of the spiritual ones, now and then I raise a cup.