Arise, let us seek the opening of the tavern door, Ghazal 368 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi

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Description:

This ghazāl by Hafez is a celebration of love and spiritual seeking. The poet invites the reader to join him on a journey of the heart, seeking divine love and union.

Key Themes:

Love and devotion: The poet expresses a deep and unwavering devotion to his beloved.
Spiritual journey: The poet's journey towards spiritual enlightenment is often associated with the path of love.
The tavern as a symbol: The tavern is often used as a metaphor for a place of spiritual enlightenment.
The beloved as a divine figure: The beloved is often seen as a symbol of the divine.


English Translation for Ghazal

Arise, let us seek the opening of the tavern door
Let us sit on the path of the beloved and seek our desire.


We have no provision for the journey to the sanctuary of union, except
To beg for provision from the tavern door.

Though our tears are muddy, they still flow
As pure offerings to him.

May we be forbidden the pleasure of your sorrow’s fire on our heart
If we seek any reward from the cruelty of your love.

The mole on your cheek cannot be drawn on the tablet of sight
Unless we seek a pencil from the pupil of the eye.

A coquettish smile from your sweet lips desired our hearts
With a sugary smile, we asked for a taste.

So that there may be a fragrant prescription for the lovesick heart
We seek a trace of your graceful handwriting.

Since your sorrow cannot be found except in a happy heart
We seek a happy heart in the hope of your sorrow.

Hafez, how long will you sit at the school door?
Arise, let us seek the opening of the tavern door.

Ghazal in Persian

خیز تا از درِ میخانه گُشادی طلبیم

به رَهِ دوست نشینیم و مُرادی طلبیم

 

زادِ راهِ حَرمِ وصل نداریم مگر

به گدایی ز درِ میکده زادی طلبیم

 

اشکِ آلودهٔ ما گرچه روان است ولی

به رسالت سویِ او پاک نهادی طلبیم

 

لذتِ داغِ غمت بر دلِ ما باد حرام

اگر از جورِ غمِ عشقِ تو دادی طلبیم

 

نقطهٔ خالِ تو بر لوحِ بصر نَتوان زد

مگر از مَردُمَکِ دیده مِدادی طلبیم

 

عشوه‌ای از لبِ شیرینِ تو دل خواست به جان

به شکرخنده لَبَت گفت مَزادی طلبیم

 

تا بُوَد نسخهٔ عِطری دل سودازده را

از خطِ غالیه سایِ تو سوادی طلبیم

 

چون غمت را نَتَوان یافت مگر در دلِ شاد

ما به امّیدِ غمت خاطرِ شادی طلبیم

 

بر درِ مدرسه تا چند نشینی حافظ؟

خیز تا از درِ میخانه گُشادی طلبیم


hamed
@hamed Oct. 9, 2024, 6:59 a.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

مِیخانه: tavern
حرم: sanctuary
Some of the nuances that are difficult to fully capture in translation include:

The intricate use of imagery: Hafez often uses multiple layers of symbolism and metaphor to convey his meaning.
The musicality of the Persian language: The sounds and rhythms of the Persian language contribute significantly to the emotional impact of the poem.
Sufi concepts: The poem is rich in Sufi symbolism and concepts, which can be challenging to convey in a different cultural context.