A sea contained inside– the crater of my eyes

Hafez (1325 – 1389): Ghazal 348

A sea contained inside– the crater of my eyes,
in the sandstorms of the dunes, my patience is lost!
And now- stepping forward, striding on the tides– 
I leave for the shores– of the other side!


With such heavy heart, of guilt tense and tight,
I will turn to ash– the sins of mankind,
in the lake of fire– my sighs shall ignite!


Where can I grant, this desolate heart–
bliss, peace and delight? The land of The Beloved!
This answer is blunt, with no shade of doubt;
On this endeavour– I shall devote my might!


You are the full-moon, 
the sun is your the crown! 
Untie, untie the laces– of your gown–
And watch me, watch me kneeling down– 
like your tangled braid, bracing your thigh!


A silver arrow, sent from the above–
had pierced deep inside– my heart, my heart!
Comfort me, Darling, with a glass of wine–
the celestial twins– now disjoin and part!
I’ll catch their waistband–
from beneath the skies! 


And then, 
dancing drunkard,
I will throw a hook–
made of – sip of wine.
I shall shake around– the throne of the sky,
the arch-gate of heavens– shall hear my harp!


A whisper I just heard,
Carry on Hafez, carry on Hafez!
You are wise and right– to never trust–
the turns of stars!

Then, why shall I forgo the instant, its worth–
for the joy of the days which are to come forth?

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Translation: Maryam Dilmaghani, April 2013, Tehran.
Artwork: M. Mohsen Kiyanzadeh:
http://www.kiyanzadeh.com/