I've heard a sweet saying that the old man of Canaan spoke: Ghazal 88 by Hafez Shirazi
I've heard a sweet saying that the old man of Canaan spoke: Ghazal 88 by Hafez Shirazi
By
@admin | poet: Hafez Shirazi
شنیده‌ام سخنی خوش که پیرِ کنعان گفت
فِراق یار نه آن می‌کند که بتوان گفت
***
حدیثِ هولِ قیامت که گفت واعظِ شهر
کنایتیست که از روزگارِ هجران گفت
***
نشانِ یارِ سفرکرده از کِه پُرسم باز
که هر چه گفت بَریدِ صبا پریشان گفت
***
فغان که آن مهِ نامهربانِ مِهرگُسِل
به تَرکِ صحبت یاران خود چه آسان گفت
***
من و مقامِ رضا بعد از این و شُکرِ رقیب
که دل به دردِ تو خو کرد و ترکِ درمان گفت
***
غمِ کهن به میِ سالخورده دفع کنید
که تخم خوشدلی این است پیرِ دهقان گفت
***
گره به باد مزن گرچه بر مراد رود
که این سخن به مَثَل باد با سلیمان گفت
***
به مهلتی که سپهرت دهد ز راه مرو
تو را که گفت که این زال تَرک دَستان گفت؟
***
مزن ز چون و چرا دم که بندهٔ مُقبِل
قبول کرد به جان هر سخن که جانان گفت
***
قبول کرد به جان هر سخن که جانان گفت
من این نگفته‌ام آن کس که گفت بُهتان گفت
***
Description:
English Translation:
I've heard a sweet saying that the old man of Canaan spoke:
The separation from a lover is not something that can be explained.
The preacher's tale of the Day of Judgment
Is a metaphor for the days of separation.
From whom should I ask for news of my traveling lover?
For whatever the messenger of the morning breeze has said, he has said in confusion.
Alas, that unkind, moon-faced lover
How easily she spoke of leaving her companions.
I and the state of contentment after this, and thanks to the rival,
Whose heart became accustomed to your pain and said to forget the cure.
Drown your old sorrow in aged wine,
For the old farmer said, "This is the seed of happiness."
Don't tie a knot to the wind, even if it fulfills your desire,
For this saying was metaphorically spoken to Solomon by the wind.
Don't hurry on the path that your destiny allows,
Who told you that this old man said to let go of his hands?
Don't ask why, for the accepting servant
Accepted in his heart every word that his beloved said.
Who said that Hafez returned from thinking of you?
I haven't said that; whoever said it, spoke a lie.
Explanation of the Ghazal
In this ghazal, Hafez explores themes of love, loss, and the spiritual journey. He uses vivid imagery and paradoxical statements to convey deeper meanings.
Key Themes:
The Pain of Separation: The poet laments the separation from his beloved and the pain it causes.
The Spiritual Journey: The ghazal alludes to the spiritual journey of the lover, emphasizing the importance of patience and acceptance.
The Power of Words: The poet discusses the power of language and the way words can shape our understanding of the world.
Key Persian terms and their nuances:
پیر کنعان: Old man of Canaan (a reference to Abraham)
قیامت: Day of Judgment
صبا: Morning breeze (often used as a messenger of love)
مه: Moon (often used as a metaphor for a beautiful person)
مراد: Desire, wish
زال: Rustam (a legendary Persian hero), here used metaphorically to represent an old person
This ghazal is a beautiful example of Hafez's poetic mastery, combining deep philosophical thoughts with a celebration of love and spiritual freedom. The poet's use of metaphors and similes creates a rich tapestry of meaning.