Gyric poems of Ha'fez

[Asalbanoo]

If you drink wine, let a drop or two spill
A sin that helps another, courageously fulfill.
Worry not, drink to the music of the harp
Fate worries not when it is time to kill.
It is for your sake, my darling beloved
That on my last day I take the bitter pill.
Whether heading for heaven or hell, angel or man,
Self-denial, in any creed, is ill.
Designer of the world designed our path
With no way out of the grave, save being still.
Daughter of the vine makes the mind creative, divine
May the vine forever adorn every hill and rill.
Towards the tavern, Hafiz went forth with thrill
Prayers of the godly heart, may your heart fill.

[Asalbanoo]

Friends, unlock the locks of the Beloved’s head
On this joyous night, let the story spread.
In familiar solitude friends have tread
Close the door after a prayer is read.
Violin and harp loudly sang and said
Listen and let your sense by the Knower be led.
I swear all sadness will have fled
Once you trust in God to give your daily bread.
The lover and beloved differ as white and red
Need your hunger, when beloved wants to be fed.
The first words of the wine-master simply said
The unworthy companion strongly dread.
Whoever in this world with love is not wed
Hold his funeral as another living dead.
And if Hafiz for alms towards you has sped
Redirect him towards the Beloved’s bed.

[Asalbanoo]

O bird of Paradise, your secrets disclose
Cease not the sweetness your tongue outward throws.
May you remain vital, your heart content
From the Great Artisan, the beauty you chose.
You spoke in riddles with all thy foes
Unveiling of the secrets, God only knows.
From the rosy cup splash and bring me scent
We only went to sleep when fate arose.
How the minstrel played this playful tune
Drunk and sober dance on feet and toes.
From intoxication, who is immune?
Both friend and foe lost their repose.
No water in sight for Alexander’s thirst
Neither power nor gold, can impose.
Listen to the pain of the heart at first
Few words that much meaning enclose.
Clay idols, the heart and soul oppose
To all idols my heart and soul may God close.
To the drunken say not secrets of the wine
Nor to lifeless the tale of soul disclose.
By the royal decree wrote line after line
To such poetic heights Hafiz ever rose;
It is not ours but God’s will that goes
May God keep him from all harmful blows.