Ghazal 245

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.