Solitude is pleasant if my beloved is my companion, Ghazal 160 by Hafez
Solitude is pleasant if my beloved is my companion, Ghazal 160 by Hafez
By
@hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi
خوش است خلوت اگر یار یارِ من باشد
نه من بسوزم و او شمعِ انجمن باشد
***
من آن نگینِ سلیمان به هیچ نَسْتانَم
که گاه گاه بر او دستِ اهرمن باشد
***
روا مدار خدایا که در حریمِ وصال
رقیب محرم و حِرمان نصیبِ من باشد
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هُمای گو مَفِکَن سایهٔ شرف هرگز
در آن دیار که طوطی کم از زَغَن باشد
***
بیانِ شوق چه حاجت؟ که سوز آتش دل
توان شناخت ز سوزی که در سخن باشد
***
هوایِ کویِ تو از سر نمی‌رود آری
غریب را دلِ سرگشته با وطن باشد
***
به سانِ سوسن اگر دَه‌زبان شود حافظ
چو غنچه پیشِ تواش مُهر بر دهن باشد
***
Description:
English Translation:
Solitude is pleasant if my beloved is my companion,
Not that I burn and he is the candle of the gathering.
I am not that Solomon's ring that is worthless to me,
Upon which the devil's hand occasionally falls.
O God, do not allow it that in the realm of union,
A rival, intimate and deprived, should be my lot.
O royal bird, never cast your shadow of honor
In a land where the parrot is no better than a crow.
What need is there for expressing longing? The fire of the heart's passion
Can be known from the burning that is in the words.
The desire for your street does not leave my head, truly,
A stranger's restless heart is with his homeland.
If Hafez becomes as eloquent as a lily,
Like a bud before you, he will keep his mouth shut.
Explanation of the Ghazal
In this ghazal, Hafez expresses a deep longing for his beloved and a desire for solitude in their company. He also explores themes of jealousy, the value of true love, and the power of silence.
Key Themes:
Longing for the Beloved: The poet expresses a deep and passionate longing for his beloved.
Jealousy and Rivalry: Hafez fears the presence of rivals in his love and seeks a solitary union.
The Power of Silence: The poet suggests that sometimes, silence is the most eloquent expression of love.
Key Persian terms and nuances:
یار: Beloved
نگین سلیمان: Solomon's ring, a symbol of great power and magic
هُمای: A mythical bird associated with royalty and good fortune
زَغَن: A crow
This ghazal is a beautiful example of Hafez's poetic mastery, combining deep emotional expression with rich imagery. The poet's use of metaphors and similes creates a vivid and evocative picture of the human experience.