Why should I not be on my way to my beloved's land? Ghazal 337 by Hafez

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Why should I not be on my way to my beloved's land? Ghazal 337 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi | 5 1

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Description:

This ghazal by Hafez expresses a deep longing for his beloved and a desire for spiritual union. The poet explores themes of love, longing, and the search for meaning in life.

Key Themes:

Longing for union: The poet expresses a deep longing for union with his beloved, both on a spiritual and physical level.
The journey of the soul: The poet's journey is seen as a spiritual quest, seeking to return to the source of all being.
The role of fate: The poet acknowledges the role of fate in his life but also expresses a desire for agency and control.
The poet's humility: The poet presents himself as a humble servant of the divine.

English Translation for Ghazal

Why should I not be on my way to my beloved's land?
Why should I not be the dust of my beloved's threshold?


Since I cannot bear the sorrow of being a stranger and in a foreign land,
I will return to my own city and be its king.


I will become one of the intimates of the tent of union
And one of the servants of my Lord.


Since the work of life is uncertain, it is better
That on the Day of Judgment, I be before my beloved.


If I have a complaint against my heavy-sleeping fortune and disordered affairs,
I will be the confidant of my own secret.


Loving and being a carefree soul has always been my profession
I will continue to strive and be occupied with my own work.


Perhaps the grace of eternity will guide Hafez
Or else I will forever be ashamed of myself.

 

متن غزل

چرا نه در پِیِ عزمِ دیارِ خود باشم

چرا نه خاکِ سرِ کویِ یارِ خود باشم

 

غمِ غریبی و غربت چو بر نمی‌تابم

به شهرِ خود رَوَم و شهریارِ خود باشم

 

ز مَحرمان سراپردهٔ وصال شَوَم

ز بندگانِ خداوندگارِ خود باشم

 

چو کار عمر نه پیداست باری آن اولی

که روزِ واقعه پیشِ نگارِ خود باشم

 

ز دستِ بختِ گران‌خواب و کارِ بی‌سامان

گَرَم بُوَد گِلِه‌ای، رازدارِ خود باشم

 

همیشه پیشهٔ من عاشقی و رندی بود

دگر بکوشم و مشغولِ کارِ خود باشم

 

بُوَد که لطفِ ازل رهنمون شود حافظ

وگرنه تا به ابد شرمسارِ خود باشم

hamed
@hamed Oct. 8, 2024, 11:47 a.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

دیار: Land, homeland
نگار: Beloved
محرمان: Intimates
لطف ازل: Eternal grace
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.

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