This week has passed, and it feels like a year to me: Ghazal 68 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi | 2 4

ماهم این هفته برون رفت و به چشمم سالیست

حالِ هجران تو چه دانی که چه مشکل حالیست

***

مردم دیده ز لطفِ رخِ او در رخِ او

عکس خود دید، گمان برد که مشکین خالیست

***

می‌چکد شیر هنوز از لبِ همچون شکرش

گرچه در شیوه‌گری هر مژه‌اش قَتّالیست

***

ای که انگشت‌نمایی به کرم در همه شهر

وه که در کارِ غریبان، عَجَبَت اِهمالیست

***

بعد از اینم نَبُوَد شائبه در جوهرِ فرد

که دهانِ تو در این نکته خوش استدلالیست

***

مژده دادند که بر ما گذری خواهی کرد

نیّتِ خیر مگردان که مبارک فالیست

***

کوهِ اندوهِ فراقت به چه حالت بکشد؟

حافظ خسته که از ناله تنش چون نالیست

***


Description:

English Translation:

This week has passed, and it feels like a year to me,
How can you know the state of separation from you, such a difficult state?

Pupil of the eye saw their own reflection in the grace of your face,
And thought that, that is only a dark mole.

Milk still drips from your sugar-like lips,
Even though each of your eyelashes is a skilled killer in coquetry.

O you who are known for your kindness throughout the city,
Alas, what a strange negligence in the matter of strangers!

From now on, there will be no doubt about the purity of my nature,
For your mouth is eloquent in this matter.

They have given me the good news that you will visit us,
Do not change your good intention, for it is a blessed omen.

How can the mountain of sorrow of your separation be endured?
Weary Hafez, whose body is like a reed from wailing.


English Translation for Ghazal

This week my moon departed, and it feels like a year to me,
How can you know the state of separation from you, such a difficult state?

Pupil of the eye saw their own reflection in the grace of your face,
And thought that, that is only a dark mole.

Sweetness still drips from her sugar-like lips,
Even though each of her eyelashes is a skilled killer in coquetry.

O you who are known for your kindness throughout the city,
Alas, what a strange negligence in the matter of strangers!

From now on, there will be no doubt about the purity of my nature,
For your mouth is eloquent in this matter.

They have given me the good news that you will visit us,
Do not change your good intention, for it is a blessed omen.

How can the mountain of sorrow of your separation be endured?
Weary Hafez, whose body is like a reed from wailing.

متن غزل

Original poem in Persian


hamed
@hamed Aug. 4, 2024, 2:55 p.m.

Explanation of the Ghazal

In this ghazal, Hafez explores themes of love, longing, and the passage of time. He uses vivid imagery and paradoxical statements to convey deeper meanings.

hamed
@hamed Aug. 4, 2024, 2:55 p.m.

Key Themes:

Longing and Separation: The poet expresses a deep longing for his beloved and the pain of separation.
The Beauty of the Beloved: The beloved is described using celestial imagery, emphasizing their divine beauty.
The Passage of Time: The poet reflects on the passage of time and the impermanence of life.
Hope and Despair: The poet expresses both hope and despair in the face of love.

hamed
@hamed Aug. 4, 2024, 2:55 p.m.

Key Persian terms and their nuances:

ماهم: Month
هجران: Separation
مشکین: Dark (hair)
قَتّال: Killer
عَجَبَت اِهمالیست: What a strange negligence
نالیست: Reed (used as a metaphor for a sorrowful person)

hamed
@hamed Aug. 4, 2024, 2:56 p.m.

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 his longing for his beloved.