Translations of the Ghazals of Hafiz
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Servant of the Soil
I am happy and in loudest voice I say:
I seek West Wind of truth from wine cup today.
While frowning hypocrite sits languishing there,
with open-faced dreg-drinkers I choose to stay.
If Elder doesn't open my tavern door,
where can I go, for whose counsel will I pray?
Do not reproach my rend's spirit in this world;
as I was molded, of that shape is my clay.
See not dervish prayer house nor tavern as path;
God walks as companion wherever I stray.
Dust of rendi is the elixir of joy;
I serve the soil of that ambergris-sweet way.
In the joy of seeing the primrose so high,
by river with cup I stand in tulip's sway.
My story is madness since beloved's curls
tossed me like a ball for her polo club's play.
Bring wine and to Hafez do pray: If heart
holds hypocrites' leftover crumbs, please sweep away.
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Translator:
Pourafzal, H., Montgomery, R. (1998). The spiritual wisdom of
Hafiz. (pp. 174) Rochester: Inner Traditions.
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