Who can tell of the state of hearts filled with blood? Ghazal 262 by Hafez
Who can tell of the state of hearts filled with blood? Ghazal 262 by Hafez
By
@hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi
حالِ خونین دلان که گوید باز؟
وز فلک خونِ خُم که جوید باز؟
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شرمش از چشمِ مِی پرستان باد
نرگسِ مست اگر بروید باز
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جز فَلاطونِ خُم نشینِ شراب
سِرِّ حکمت به ما که گوید باز؟
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هر که چون لاله کاسه گَردان شد
زین جفا رُخ به خون بشوید باز
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نَگُشایَد دلم چو غنچه اگر
ساغری از لبش نبوید باز
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بس که در پرده چنگ گفت سخن
بِبُرَش موی تا نَمویَد باز
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گِردِ بیتُ الحَرامِ خُم حافظ
گر نمیرد به سَر بپوید باز
***
Description:
English Translation:
Who can tell of the state of hearts filled with blood?
And from which sky will a wine-filled goblet flow again?
May he be ashamed before the eyes of wine-drinkers,
If the intoxicated narcissus blooms again.
Except for the Plato of the wine cellar,
Who can tell us the secret of wisdom?
Whoever, like a tulip, has become a dusty cup,
Let him wash his face with blood for this injustice.
If my heart does not open like a rosebud,
It will never again receive a goblet from your lips.
Since the lute has spoken so much in secret,
Cut its strings so it cannot grow again.
Around the Kaaba of the wine goblet, Hafez,
If I do not die, I will remain forever.
Explanation of the Ghazal
In this ghazal, Hafez explores themes of love, loss, and the spiritual journey. He uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey his intense emotions.
Key Themes:
Love and loss: The poet expresses deep sorrow and longing for his beloved.
Spiritual journey: The poet uses imagery of wine, the tulip, and the Kaaba to symbolize the spiritual journey and the search for meaning.
The transience of life: The poet reflects on the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.
Key Persian terms and nuances:
فلک: Sky
نرگس: Narcissus (a type of flower, often used as a metaphor for the eye)
فلاطون: Plato (a reference to the Greek philosopher, here used metaphorically)
کاسه: Cup
غنچه: Rosebud
بیت الحرام: The sacred house (referring to the Kaaba in Mecca)
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.