Ghazal 254


Ghazal 254

The patient nightingale on a branch atop the tree
For the well being of the rose made its plea.
Praise your goodness O rose, and your beauty,
Let not your pride make the nightingale flee.
I complain not of being apart from thee,
In hope of union, I’ll be apart for eternity.
Others delight in pleasure and luxury,
Pain of separation is what delights me.
For nymphs and Paradise, some find the rosary,
Beloved is my nymph, and tavern my garden’s entry.
Drink wine to the music of the harp, be worry free
From he who forbids you joy for God’s mercy.
Hafiz, separation is not at tragedy,
Union in separation, and light in the darkness you see.

– Hafiz

Trans by: © Shahriar Shahriari
Los Angeles, Ca
April 13, 1999