If anyone has heard of a cypress walking, this is it, Ghazal 87 by Saadi

  1. Home
  2. Ghazals
  3. Ghazal Details

If anyone has heard of a cypress walking, this is it, Ghazal 87 by Saadi

By hamed @hamed | poet: Saadi Shirazi | 25 0

No lines yet

Description:

In this ghazal, Saadi Shirazi marvels at the beloved’s beauty, comparing them to a cypress or a heavenly houri. He rejects societal norms, embracing love and the faith it instills in him. Saadi captures the longing and sleeplessness of the lover, even as the world rests and spring ushers in renewal. He emphasizes that no description, however eloquent, can truly encapsulate the beloved’s perfection. The poem concludes with a playful note, as Saadi claims he will stop writing poetry due to its irresistible sweetness that even draws flies—a metaphor for the overwhelming allure of his words. It’s a delicate balance of reverence, passion, and Saadi’s characteristic wit.

English Translation for Ghazal

If anyone has heard of a cypress walking, this is it,
Or a plane tree with silken neck and silver-lit.

It’s not mere height that one can gauge by sight,
For only short-sighted minds deem such heights finite.

Sleep would never touch my eyes in your era—how absurd!
Loving you isn’t a fleeting affair of whispers unheard.

While all have rested and midnight has passed away,
My sleepless eyes still watch the stars and Pleiades stay.

Granted, gazing at beauty may be deemed a sin,
Yet I won’t turn back, for this is my faith within.

Now is the time for wanderers to seek the plains anew,
Especially now, as spring has arrived with April’s hue.

Today, the meadows are paradise, and if you would enter,
All would proclaim you are a heavenly houri at the center.

Whatever we’ve said of your perfections, know this,
We’ve spoken nothing compared to the truths we’ve missed.

What your silken hands did to Saadi’s heart and pride,
Not even a hawk does to a dove, gentle or wide-eyed.

I will no longer pen poetry; I’ll put the quill to rest,
For these sweet words attract flies, causing me distress.

متن غزل

گر کسی سرو شنیده‌ست که رفته‌ست این است

یا صنوبر که بناگوش و برش سیمین است

 

نه بلندیست به صورت که تو معلوم کنی

که بلند از نظر مردم کوته‌بین است

 

خواب در عهد تو در چشم من آید هیهات

عاشقی کار سری نیست که بر بالین است

 

همه آرام گرفتند و شب از نیمه گذشت

وآنچه در خواب نشد چشم من و پروین است

 

خود گرفتم که نظر بر رخ خوبان کفر است

من از این بازنگردم که مرا این دین است

 

وقت آن است که مردم ره صحرا گیرند

خاصه اکنون که بهار آمد و فروردین است

 

چمن امروز بهشت است و تو در می‌بایی

تا خلایق همه گویند که حورالعین است

 

هر چه گفتیم در اوصاف کمالیت او

همچنان هیچ نگفتیم که صد چندین است

 

آنچه سرپنجهٔ سیمین تو با سعدی کرد

با کبوتر نکند پنجه که با شاهین است

 

من دگر شعر نخواهم که نویسم که مگس

زحمتم می‌دهد از بس که سخن شیرین است

Back to Ghazal List Previous Next