Ghazal 369

We expected friendship from friends —

we were wrong in what we supposed.

Let us see when the tree of friendship will bear fruit —

for now we have gone and planted a seed.

Talk and debate was not the way of the dervish —

otherwise, we had many a story to tell you.

The manner of your eye had the guise of war —

we made a mistake and thought it was peace.

The rosebush of your beauty did not become heart-illumining on its own —

we breathed the breath of aspiration upon it.

Subtleties were exchanged and no one complained —

we did not abandon the side of honor.

She said: You yourself gave us your heart, Hafez —

we never set a collector upon anyone.