Ghazal 422

From the Divan of Hafez · 7 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

O you who have come with the chain of long tresses —

may you have the chance — for you have come to soothe the mad.

For a moment do not show coquetry — change your habit —

since you have come to visit the needy ones.

Before your stature I die — whether in peace or war —

since in any case you have come worthy of pride.

You have mixed water and fire from your ruby lip —

far be the evil eye — for you have come as quite a trickster.

Blessed be your soft heart — that for the sake of merit

you have come to pray over the one slain by your glance.

What does my piety weigh against you? — for to plunder my heart

you have come drunk and disheveled to the chamber of secrets.

Hafez said: Again your cloak is wine-stained —

have you perhaps turned back from the creed of this tribe?

ای که با سلسلهٔ زلف دراز آمده‌ای

فرصتت باد که دیوانه‌نواز آمده‌ای

ساعتی ناز مفرما و بگردان عادت

چون به پرسیدن ارباب نیاز آمده‌ای

پیش بالای تو میرم چه به صلح و چه به جنگ

چون به هر حال برازندهٔ ناز آمده‌ای

آب و آتش به هم آمیخته‌ای از لب لعل

چشم بد دور که بس شَعبده‌باز آمده‌ای

آفرین بر دل نرم تو که از بهر ثواب

کشتهٔ غمزهٔ خود را به نماز آمده‌ای

زهد من با تو چه سنجد که به یغمای دلم

مست و آشفته به خلوتگه راز آمده‌ای

گفت حافظ دگرت خرقه شراب آلوده‌ست

مگر از مذهب این طایفه باز آمده‌ای

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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