O gentle breeze, if you pass by the banks of the Aras River, Ghazal 267 by Hafez
O gentle breeze, if you pass by the banks of the Aras River, Ghazal 267 by Hafez
By
@hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi
ای صبا گر بُگذری بر ساحلِ رودِ اَرَس
بوسه زن بر خاکِ آن وادی و مُشکین کُن نَفَس
***
منزلِ سَلمی که بادَش هر دَم از ما صد سلام
پُر صدایِ ساربانان بینی و بانگِ جرس
***
مَحمِلِ جانان ببوس، آن‌گه به زاری عَرضه دار
کز فِراقت سوختم ای مهربان فریاد رس
***
من که قولِ ناصحان را خواندَمی قولِ رَباب
گوش‌مالی دیدم از هجران که اینم پند بس
***
عشرتِ شب‌گیر کن، مِی نوش کاندر راهِ عشق
شَب‌رُوان را آشنایی‌هاست با میرِ عَسَس
***
عشق‌بازی کارِ بازی نیست ای دل! سر بِباز
زان که گویِ عشق نَتْوان زد به چوگانِ هوس
***
دل به رَغبت می‌سپارد جان به چشمِ مستِ یار
گر چه هشیاران ندادند اختیارِ خود به کس
***
طوطیان در شِکَّرِستان کامرانی می‌کنند
و از تَحَسُّر دست بر سر می‌زند مسکین مگس
***
نامِ حافظ گر برآید بر زبانِ کِلکِ دوست
از جنابِ حضرتِ شاهم بس است این مُلتَمَس
***
Description:
English Translation:
O gentle breeze, if you pass by the banks of the Aras River,
Kiss the soil of that valley and make your breath fragrant.
The abode of Salami, whose wind always brings us a hundred greetings,
Is filled with the sound of camel drivers and the ringing of bells.
Kiss the litter of my beloved, then plead with tears,
Saying that I am burning from separation, O merciful rescuer.
I, who once considered the advice of the wise as a lullaby,
Have been slapped by the pain of separation, and that is enough advice for me.
Enjoy the night's pleasures, drink wine, for on the path of love
Night travelers are familiar with the night watchmen.
Lovemaking is not a game, O heart! Lose your head,
For the ball of love cannot be struck with the mallet of desire.
The heart willingly gives its life to the beloved's drunken eyes,
Even though the wise have given no one control over themselves.
Parrots feast in the sugar garden,
While the poor fly beats its head in regret.
If Hafez's name arises on the tongue of my beloved's pen,
That is enough of a request from the majesty of my king.
Explanation of the Ghazal
In this ghazal, Hafez explores themes of love, longing, and the spiritual journey. 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 journey, the beloved's litter, and the tavern to symbolize the spiritual journey and the search for meaning.
The transience of life: The poet reflects on the impermanence of life and the nature of love.
Key Persian terms and nuances:
اَرَس: Aras River (a river that forms part of the border between Iran and Armenia)
سَلمی: Salami (a place name, perhaps symbolic of a beloved's abode)
مَحمِل: Litter (a palanquin carried by animals, often used to transport royalty or the beloved)
ساقی: Cupbearer (often used as a symbol of the divine)
عَسَس: Night watchman (a symbol of worldly authority or restrictions)
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.