Ghazal 456

From the Divan of Hafez · 7 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

It is spring — strive to be of happy heart —

for many a rose will bloom again, and you will be in the clay.

I will not say with whom to sit now and what to drink —

for you yourself know, if you are clever and wise.

The harp from behind the curtain gives you this very counsel — but

its sermon profits you only when you are receptive.

In the garden, every leaf is the page of another tale —

it would be a pity to be heedless of the work of all.

The grief of the world will waste the cash of your life in vain —

if night and day you remain in this difficult story.

Though it is a road full of fear from us to the friend —

going is easy if you know the way-station.

Hafez, if you have the aid of high fortune,

you will be the hunter of that beauty of pleasant figure.

نوبهار است در آن کوش که خوش‌دل باشی

که بسی گُل بدمد باز و تو در گِل باشی

من نگویم که کنون با که نشین و چه بنوش

که تو خود دانی اگر زیرک و عاقل باشی

چنگ در پرده همین می‌دهدت پند ولی

وعظت آن گاه کند سود که قابل باشی

در چمن هر ورقی دفتر حالی دگر است

حیف باشد که ز کار همه غافل باشی

نقد عمرت ببرد غصهٔ دنیا به گزاف

گر شب و روز در این قصهٔ مشکل باشی

گر چه راهی‌ست پر از بیم ز ما تا بر دوست

رفتن آسان بود ار واقف منزل باشی

حافظا گر مدد از بخت بلندت باشد

صید آن شاهد مطبوع‌شمایل باشی

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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