Ghazal 405

From the Divan of Hafez · 8 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

By the life of the elder of the tavern and the right of his company —

there is nothing in my head but the desire to serve him.

Paradise, though it is no place for sinners —

bring wine, for I rely on his aspiration.

May the lightning-lamp of that cloud be bright —

for it set fire to our harvest with the flame of his love.

If you see a head at the threshold of the tavern,

do not kick it, for its intent is unknown.

Come — for last night, in drunkenness, the angel of the unseen world

gave tidings that the grace of his mercy is universal.

Do not look with the eye of contempt upon me, the drunkard —

for neither sin nor piety exist without his will.

My heart does not incline to piety and repentance, but

in the name of the master, we strive, and by the glory of his fortune.

Always Hafez's cloak is in pawn for wine —

perhaps his nature was from the dust of the tavern.

به جان پیر خرابات و حق صحبت او

که نیست در سر من جز هوای خدمت او

بهشت اگر چه نه جای گناهکاران است

بیار باده که مستظهرم به همت او

چراغ صاعقه آن سحاب روشن باد

که زد به خرمن ما آتش محبت او

بر آستانه میخانه گر سری بینی

مزن به پای که معلوم نیست نیت او

بیا که دوش به مستی سروش عالم غیب

نوید داد که عام است فیض رحمت او

مکن به چشم حقارت نگاه در من مست

که نیست معصیت و زهد بی مشیت او

نمی‌کند دل من میل زهد و توبه ولی

به نام خواجه بکوشیم و فر دولت او

مدام خرقه حافظ به باده در گرو است

مگر ز خاک خرابات بود فطرت او

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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