Ghazal 54

From the Divan of Hafez · 9 couplets

The Oracle Speaks

...

From weeping, the people of my eye sit drenched in blood —

see what state the people are in, searching for you.

In memory of your ruby lips and your drunken, wine-hued eyes,

the ruby wine I drink from sorrow’s cup is blood.

If from the east of your lane the sun of your face

should rise, my fortune would be blessed.

The tale of sweet lips is the speech of Farhad —

the twisting of Layla’s tresses is the dwelling of Majnun.

Seek my heart, for your stature like the cypress is heart-seeking —

speak, for your words are delicate and measured.

From the round of wine, send some comfort to my soul, O cupbearer,

for the distress of my mind comes from the cruelty of heaven’s turning.

Since that moment when the noble river left my eyes,

the edge of my garment has become like the river Oxus.

How shall my grieving interior be made glad?

By choice — but it is beyond all choice.

In selflessness Hafez seeks the beloved —

like a pauper who demands the treasure of Qarun.

ز گریه مَردُمِ چشمم نشسته در خون است

ببین که در طلبت حالِ مَردُمان چون است

به یادِ لعلِ تو و چشمِ مستِ میگونت

ز جامِ غم، می لعلی که می‌خورم خون است

ز مشرقِ سرِ کو آفتابِ طلعتِ تو

اگر طلوع کند، طالعم همایون است

حکایتِ لبِ شیرین، کلام فرهاد است

شِکَنجِ طُرِّهٔ لیلی مقام مجنون است

دلم بجو که قدت همچو سرو دلجوی است

سخن بگو که کلامت لطیف و موزون است

ز دورِ باده به جان، راحتی رسان ساقی

که رنجِ خاطرم از جورِ دورِ گردون است

از آن دمی که ز چشمم برفت رودِ عزیز

کنارِ دامنِ من همچو رودِ جیحون است

چگونه شاد شود اندرونِ غمگینم؟

به اختیار، که از اختیار بیرون است

ز بیخودی طلبِ یار می‌کند حافظ

چو مفلسی که طلبکارِ گنجِ قارون است

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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