Ghazal 46

Amidst flowers, wine in hand, my lover I embrace
King of the world is my slave on such a day in such a place.

Bring no candles to this, our festive feast, tonight
Full moon is pale beside the light of my lover's face.

Drinking of wine, our creed has sanctified
Yet without you, drinking wine is disgrace.

My ears only hear the song of the harp and the reed
My eyes see your ruby lips, and the cup chase.

Keep perfumes away from our feast tonight
The fragrance of your hair, our feast will grace.

Speak not to me of sweetness of candy and sugar;
Since my lips, sweetness of your lips, did once trace.

Your treasures are hidden in the ruins of my heart
And my path to the tavern has now become sacred space.

Speak not of disgrace; that's my fame and my base
And fame and high place, I despise and debase.

Drunk and disconcerted and demented and deceived
Show me one who's not, within our town and our race.

Fault not the pious one, because he, also, like us,
Is seeking love and grace, in his own way, at his own pace.

Hafiz, wine in hand, always your lover embrace
'Cause flowers and joy fill this festive time and space.