What is sweeter than pleasure, companionship, gardens, and spring? Ghazal 65 by Hafez
What is sweeter than pleasure, companionship, gardens, and spring? Ghazal 65 by Hafez
By
@hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi
خوشتر ز عیش و صحبت و باغ و بهار چیست؟
ساقی کجاست، گو سببِ انتظار چیست؟
***
هر وقتِ خوش که دست دهد مغتنم شمار
کس را وقوف نیست که انجامِ کار چیست
***
پیوندِ عمر بسته به مویی‌ست هوش دار
غمخوارِ خویش باش، غم روزگار چیست؟
***
معنیِ آبِ زندگی و روضهٔ ارم
جز طَرفِ جویبار و میِ خوشگوار چیست؟
***
مستور و مست هر دو چو از یک قبیله‌اند
ما دل به عشوهٔ که دهیم اختیار چیست؟
***
راز درونِ پرده چه داند فلک، خموش
ای مدعی نزاعِ تو با پرده‌دار چیست؟
***
سهو و خطایِ بنده گَرَش اعتبار نیست
معنیِ عفو و رحمتِ آمُرزگار چیست؟
***
زاهد شرابِ کوثر و حافظ پیاله خواست
تا در میانه خواستهٔ کردگار چیست
***
Description:
English Translation:
What is sweeter than pleasure, companionship, gardens, and spring?
Where is the wine-server? Tell me, what is the reason for this delay?
Count every happy moment as precious,
For no one knows what the end of things will be.
Life is tied to a hair; be cautious.
Be the caretaker of yourself; what is the worry of the world?
The meaning of the water of life and the garden of Eden
Is nothing but the side of a stream and sweet wine.
The veiled and the intoxicated are both from the same tribe,
Why should we give our hearts to the coquetry of anyone?
What does the sky know of the secrets behind the veil, be silent!
O claimant, what is your quarrel with the veil-wearer?
If the mistakes and errors of a servant are not considered,
What is the meaning of the forgiveness and mercy of the Forgiver?
The ascetic asked for the wine of the celestial river, and Hafez asked for a cup,
So what is the middle ground between their requests?
Explanation of the Ghazal
In this ghazal, Hafez explores themes of life, love, and spirituality. He uses vivid imagery and paradoxical statements to convey deeper meanings.
Key Themes:
Carpe Diem: The poet emphasizes the importance of enjoying the present moment.
The Ephemeral Nature of Life: Life is compared to a fragile thread, reminding us of its impermanence.
The Divine and the Mundane: Hafez explores the relationship between the spiritual and the physical world.
Love and Wine as Metaphors: Wine and the beloved are often used as metaphors for divine love.
Key Persian terms and their nuances:
عیش: Pleasure
ساقی: Wine-server
آب زندگی: Water of life (a reference to a mythical spring)
روضهٔ ارم: The garden of Eden
جویبار: Stream
مست: Intoxicated
پرده: Veil
کوثر: A river in paradise
This ghazal is a beautiful example of Hafez's poetic mastery, combining deep philosophical thoughts with a celebration of life. The poet's use of metaphors and similes creates a rich tapestry of meaning.