Ghazal 298

Secure place and sweet wine and tender friend
If only we could keep these three until the end.

The world and its affairs are all nothing for naught
A thousand times I have inquired of this trend.

Alas that until now I was so unaware
That alchemy of life is to befriend a friend.

Find a refuge and make the best of times
From the thieves of life, that our time waste and spend.

Repenting from the lips of the friend and the smiling cup
Is but a fantasy, a notion reason can’t defend.

Though I cannot ever touch your beautiful hair
On this vivid hope I can gladly depend.

The sweet dimple that adorns your chin, in depth,
A million deep thoughts can’t possibly transcend.

If my tears turn ruby color, say naught
For the seal of your lips, with ruby blend.

Mockingly said, Hafiz, to your every whim I tend
To what depths of mockery must I stoop and descend?