Come, and cast our ship into the sea of wine, Ghazal 263 by Hafez
Come, and cast our ship into the sea of wine, Ghazal 263 by Hafez
By
@hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi
بیا و کَشتیِ ما در شَطِ شراب انداز
خروش و وِلوِله در جانِ شیخ و شاب انداز
***
مرا به کَشتیِ باده درافکن ای ساقی
که گفته‌اند نِکویی کن و در آب انداز
***
ز کویِ میکده برگشته‌ام ز راهِ خَطا
مرا دِگَر ز کَرَم با رَهِ صواب انداز
***
بیار زان مِی گلرنگِ مشک بو جامی
شرارِ رَشک و حسد در دلِ گلاب انداز
***
اگر چه مست و خرابم، تو نیز لطفی کن
نظر بر این دلِ سرگشتهٔ خراب انداز
***
به نیمْ شب اَگَرَت آفتاب می‌باید
ز رویِ دخترِ گُلْچِهرِ رَز نقاب انداز
***
مَهِل که روزِ وفاتم به خاک بسپارند
مرا به میکده بَر، در خُمِ شراب انداز
***
ز جورِ چرخ چو حافظ به جان رسید دلت
به سویِ دیو مِحَن ناوَکِ شهاب انداز
***
Description:
English Translation:
Come, and cast our ship into the sea of wine,
Create a tumult and commotion in the hearts of the pious and the young.
Cast me into the ship of wine, O cupbearer,
For it has been said, “Do good and cast it into the water.”
I have returned from the tavern, having strayed from the path,
Guide me back to the right path through Your grace.
Bring me a cup of that rose-colored, musk-scented wine,
And cast the fire of envy and jealousy into the heart of the rosewater.
Though I am drunk and ruined, show me some kindness,
Cast a glance upon this bewildered and ruined heart.
If you need sunlight in the middle of the night,
Remove the veil from the face of the rose-cheeked maiden.
When the day of my death comes and they bury me in the earth,
Carry me to the tavern and cast me into the wine vat.
If the cruelty of fate has pierced your heart, as it has Hafez’s,
Aim the arrow of a shooting star at the demon of affliction.
Explanation of the Ghazal
In this ghazal, Hafez expresses a desire for spiritual liberation and a longing for the divine. He uses vivid imagery and symbolism associated with wine, love, and the spiritual journey.
Key Themes:
Love and longing: The poet expresses a deep longing for divine love and a desire for spiritual union.
Spiritual journey: The poet uses imagery of the sea, ship, and tavern to symbolize the spiritual journey and the search for meaning.
Carpe diem: The poet emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and enjoying life.
Key Persian terms and nuances:
شط: River (here used metaphorically for the sea)
ساقی: Cupbearer (often used as a symbol of the divine)
میکده: Tavern (a symbol of spiritual gathering)
گلاب: Rosewater (a symbol of purity and love)
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.