Ghazal 487

O unaware one — strive to become one who knows —

until you are a wayfarer, how will you become a guide?

In the school of truths, before the teacher of love —

beware, O youth — strive, that one day you may become a father.

Wash your hand of the copper of existence, like the men of the road —

that you may find the alchemy of love and become gold.

Sleep and food have kept you far from your own rank —

you will reach yourself only when you go without sleep and food.

If the light of divine love falls upon your heart and soul,

by God, you will become more beautiful than the sun of the sky.

For one moment, drown in the sea of God — do not suppose

that from the water of seven seas you will get a single hair wet.

From foot to head you will become all the light of God —

on the path of the Majestic, when you go without foot or head.

If the face of God becomes the object of your vision,

after this, no doubt remains that you will become a seer.

When the foundation of your existence is turned upside down,

hold nothing in your heart — for you will be turned upside down.

If in your head is the desire for union, O Hafez,

you must become the dust of the threshold of the people of art.