I have such a complaint about her dark tresses, don't ask, Ghazal 271 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi | 16 4

دارم از زلفِ سیاهش گِلِه چندان که مَپُرس

که چُنان ز او شده‌ام بی سر و سامان که مَپُرس

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کَس به امّیدِ وفا ترکِ دل و دین مَکُناد

که چُنانم من از این کرده پشیمان که مپرس

***

به یکی جرعه که آزارِ کَسَش در پِی نیست

زحمتی می‌کشم از مردمِ نادان که مپرس

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زاهد از ما به سلامت بگذر کـ‌این مِیِ لعل

دل و دین می‌برد از دست بدان سان که مپرس

***

گفت‌وگوهاست در این راه که جان بُگْدازد

هر کسی عربده‌ای این که مبین آن که مپرس

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پارسایی و سلامت هَوَسم بود، ولی

شیوه‌ای می‌کند آن نرگسِ فَتّان که مپرس

***

گفتم از گویِ فلک صورتِ حالی پرسم

گفت آن می‌کشم اندر خمِ چوگان که مپرس

***

گفتمش زلف به خونِ که شکستی؟ گفتا

حافظ این قصه دراز است به قرآن که مپرس

***


Description:

English Translation:

I have such a complaint about her dark tresses, don't ask,
For I've become so disheveled because of her, don't ask.

No one should abandon heart and religion for the hope of loyalty,
For I'm so regretful of this, don't ask.

With just a sip that harms no one,
I suffer such trouble from foolish people, don't ask.

O ascetic, pass us by safely, for this ruby wine
Steals hearts and religions in a way you can't imagine.

There's talk on this path that can break one's heart,
Everyone is making a racket, don't pay attention to it.

My desire was for piety and health, but
That alluring narcissus behaves in a way, don’t ask.

I asked the sphere of fortune about the state of my affairs,
It said, "I'm striking it with the polo mallet," don't ask.

I asked her, "Whose blood did you dye your locks with?" She said,
"Hafez, this story is too long to tell, honestly, don't ask."


English Translation for Ghazal

English translation for Ghazal.

متن غزل

Original poem in Persian

hamed
@hamed Sept. 25, 2024, 8:16 p.m.

Explanation of the Ghazal

In this ghazal, Hafez explores themes of love, longing, and the pain of separation. He uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey his intense emotions.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 25, 2024, 8:16 p.m.

Key Themes:

Love and longing: The poet expresses a deep longing for his beloved and the pain of separation.
Spiritual journey: The poet uses imagery of the journey, the beloved's tresses, and the wine to symbolize the spiritual journey and the search for meaning.
The transience of life: The poet reflects on the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the eternal nature of the soul.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 25, 2024, 8:16 p.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

زلف: Tresses (often used as a symbol of beauty and love)
هجر: Separation
مِی: Wine (often used as a symbol of spiritual intoxication)
نَرگس: Narcissus (a type of flower, often used to symbolize the beloved's eyes)

hamed
@hamed Sept. 25, 2024, 8:16 p.m.

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.