If the gardener desires but five days of conversation with the rose, Ghazal 276 by Hafez
If the gardener desires but five days of conversation with the rose, Ghazal 276 by Hafez
By
@hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi
باغبان گر پنج‌روزی صحبتِ گل بایدش
بر جفایِ خارِ هجران صبرِ بلبل بایدش
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ای دل اندر بندِ زلفش از پریشانی مَنال
مرغِ زیرک چون به دام افتد تحمل بایدش
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رندِ عالم‌سوز را با مصلحت‌بینی چه‌کار
کار مُلک است آن که تدبیر و تأمل بایدش
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تکیه بر تقوی و دانش در طریقت کافری‌ست
راهرو گر صد هنر دارد توکل بایدش
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با چُنین زلف و رُخَش بادا نظربازی حرام
هر که روی یاسمین و جَعدِ سنبل بایدش
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نازها زان نرگسِ مستانه‌اش باید کشید
این دلِ شوریده تا آن جَعد و کاکُل بایدش
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ساقیا در گردشِ ساغر تعلل تا به چند
دور چون با عاشقان افتد تَسَلسُل بایدش
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کیست حافظ تا ننوشد باده بی‌آوازِ رود
عاشقِ مسکین چرا چندین تجمل بایدش
***
Description:
English Translation:
If the gardener desires but five days of conversation with the rose,
The nightingale must patiently endure the thorn of separation.
O heart, do not despair of being bound by her tresses,
For when a clever bird is caught in a trap, it must endure.
What is the use of prudence with a world-burning rogue?
It's a matter of kingship that requires deliberation and consideration.
Relying on piety and knowledge on the spiritual path is infidelity,
If a traveler has a hundred skills, they must still trust in God.
With such locks and a face, it is forbidden to play with glances,
Whoever desires jasmine and hyacinth curls should have such a face.
One must endure the coquetry of that intoxicated narcissus,
This restless heart must desire those curls and locks.
O cupbearer, why so much delay in the rotation of the cup?
When the circle falls upon lovers, there must be a chain.
Who is Hafez if he does not drink wine without the sound of a river?
Why should a humble lover have so many pretensions?
Explanation of the Ghazal
In this ghazal, Hafez explores themes of love, spirituality, and the complexities of human relationships. He uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey his intense emotions.
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 garden, the bird, and the king to symbolize the spiritual journey and the search for meaning.
The complexities of human relationships: Hafez reflects on the nature of love, desire, and the human condition.
Key Persian terms and nuances:
باغبان: Gardener
بلبل: Nightingale
رند: Rogue
تقوی: Piety
طریقت: Spiritual path
نرجس: Narcissus (a type of flower, often used to symbolize the beloved's eyes)
کاکُل: Curls
ساقی: Cupbearer
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.