Ghazal 88

I heard a sweet saying that the old man of Canaan spoke:

Separation from the beloved does what cannot be told.

The tale of Judgment’s terror that the city’s preacher told —

is an allusion he spoke of the days of separation.

From whom shall I ask the sign of the traveled friend?

For whatever the courier of the breeze spoke was confused.

Alas, that merciless, bond-breaking moon —

how easily she spoke of leaving the company of friends!

From now on, I accept contentment and thank the rival,

for the heart grew used to your pain and spoke of abandoning the cure.

Dispel old grief with aged wine —

for this is the seed of happiness, the old farmer spoke.

Do not tie a knot in the wind, though it may blow your way,

for this is what the wind, by way of proverb, spoke to Solomon.

In the respite that the heavens give you, do not stray from the path —

who told you that this old crone has given up her tricks?

Do not speak of how and why — for the fortunate servant

accepted with soul whatever word the beloved spoke.

Who said Hafez came back from thinking of you?

I did not say that — whoever said it, spoke a slander.