Ghazal 411

From the Divan of Hafez · 8 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

The curl of your musk-rubbing tresses gives the violet its twist —

the curtain of the bud is torn by your heart-opening smile.

O my sweet-scented rose, do not burn your own nightingale —

for from the heart of sincerity, all night long it prays for you.

I, who grew weary of the breath of angels —

bear all the talk and debate of the world for your sake.

See the fortune of love — how, from the heights of poverty and pride,

your beggar breaks the corner of the crown of sovereignty.

The cloak of piety and the cup of wine — though they do not match —

all this design I trace for the sake of your satisfaction.

The tumult of love's wine will leave my head only at that breath

when this desire-filled head becomes the dust at your palace door.

The royal seat of my eye is the resting-place of your image —

it is a place of prayer, O my king — may your place never be without you.

Your cheek is a lovely garden — especially in the spring of beauty —

Hafez of sweet speech has become the singing bird of your praise.

تاب بنفشه می‌دهد طرّهٔ مشک‌سای تو

پردهٔ غنچه می‌درد خندهٔ دلگشای تو

ای گل خوش‌نسیمِ من بلبلِ خویش را مسوز

کز سر صدق می‌کند شب همه شب دعای تو

من که ملول گشتمی از نفس فرشتگان

قال و مقال عالَمی می‌کشم از برای تو

دولت عشق بین که چون از سر فقر و افتخار

گوشهٔ تاج سلطنت می‌شکند گدای تو

خرقهٔ زهد و جام مِی گرچه نه درخور همند

این همه نقش می‌زنم از جهت رضای تو

شور شراب عشق تو آن نفسم رود ز سر

کاین سر پُر هوس شود خاک در سرای تو

شاه‌نشین چشم من تکیه‌گه خیال توست

جای دعاست شاه من بی‌تو مباد جای تو

خوش چمنیست عارضت خاصه که در بهار حسن

حافظِ خوش‌کلام شد مرغِ سخن‌سرایِ تو

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?

Ask the Oracle

Hold a question in your heart — about love, a decision, or your path — and let Hafez speak to you directly.

Get Your Free Reading