If a sword rains down in the alley of that moon-faced one, Ghazal 418 by Hafez

  1. Home
  2. Ghazals
  3. Ghazal Details

If a sword rains down in the alley of that moon-faced one, Ghazal 418 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi | 6 1

No lines yet

Description:

In this ghazāl, Hafez expresses a deep love for his beloved, and a willingness to endure any hardship for her. He also criticizes religious hypocrisy and the constraints of societal norms.

Key Themes:

Love and devotion: The poet expresses an intense love for his beloved, and is willing to sacrifice everything for her.
Criticism of religious hypocrisy: Hafez criticizes religious figures who preach piety but do not practice it.
Fate and free will: The poet questions the role of fate in his life and his inability to control his desires.

English Translation for Ghazal

If a sword rains down in the alley of that moon-faced one
We shall offer our necks, saying "God's will be done"


We know the ways of piety too
But what can we do with such a misguided fate?

We know fewer sheikhs and preachers
Than we know the wine cup or a short story

I am a rogue and a lover in the season of flowers
To repent then? God forgive me

Your love has not cast a reflection upon us
The mirror of dreams, alas for your heart

Patience is bitter, and life is fleeting
Oh, I wish I could certainly recite a poem

Hafiz, why complain if you desire union?
You must drink blood, sometimes and always

متن غزل

گر تیغ بارد در کوی آن ماه

گردن نهادیم الحکمُ لِلّه

 

آیین تقوا ما نیز دانیم

لیکن چه چاره با بخت گمراه؟ 

 

ما شیخ و واعظ کمتر شناسیم

یا جام باده یا قصه کوتاه

 

من رند و عاشق در موسم گل

آن گاه توبه؟ استغفرالله

 

مهر تو عکسی بر ما نیفکند

آیینه رویا آه از دلت آه

 

اَلصَبرُ مُرٌّ و العُمرُ فانٍ

یا لَیتَ شعری حَتامَ اأَلْقاه

 

حافظ چه نالی گر وصل خواهی

خون بایدت خورد در گاه و بی‌گاه

hamed
@hamed Oct. 11, 2024, 12:28 p.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

لله: for God
شیخ: sheikh, a religious leader
واعظ: preacher

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.

Back to Ghazal List Previous Next