Ghazal 458

From the Divan of Hafez · 8 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

O heart, at that moment when you are drunk from rose-colored wine,

without gold or treasure, you will have the pomp of a hundred Qaruns.

In a station where eminence is given to the poor,

I hope that in rank you will be above all.

On the road to Layla's abode, where dangers abound,

the first condition of the step is that you be a Majnun.

I showed you the point of love — beware, do not err —

otherwise, when you look, you will be outside the circle.

The caravan has gone and you are in sleep, with the desert ahead —

when will you go? Whom will you ask the way? What will you do? How will you be?

If you seek the crown of kings, show the jewel of your essence —

even if you are of the seed of Jamshid and Fereydun.

Drink a cup and sprinkle a sip upon the heavens —

how long and how long will you be liver-bloodied from the grief of the days?

Hafez, do not lament of poverty — for if this is poetry,

no happy-hearted one would approve that you be sorrowful.

ای دل آن دم که خراب از می گلگون باشی

بی زر و گنج به صد حشمت قارون باشی

در مقامی که صدارت به فقیران بخشند

چشم دارم که به جاه از همه افزون باشی

در ره منزل لیلی که خطرهاست در آن

شرط اول قدم آن است که مجنون باشی

نقطهٔ عشق نمودم به تو هان سهو مکن

ور نه چون بنگری از دایره بیرون باشی

کاروان رفت و تو در خواب و بیابان در پیش

کی روی؟ ره ز که پرسی؟ چه کنی؟ چون باشی؟

تاج شاهی طلبی، گوهر ذاتی بنمای

ور خود از تخمهٔ جمشید و فریدون باشی

ساغری نوش کن و جرعه بر افلاک فشان

چند و چند از غم ایام جگرخون باشی؟

حافظ از فقر مکن ناله که گر شعر این است

هیچ خوش‌دل نپسندد که تو محزون 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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