Ghazal 415

Tell me of my friend, my messenger of the Right
Tell the nightingale of the flower's condition & plight.

In the gathering of lovers, we are trusted, fear not
With trusted friends, speak of friendship's delight.

My head was agitated such with her fragrant hair
For God's sake, why the fire in my head thus ignite?

To those who say the dust of friend's home is vile
Say, speak of this while examining my eye-sight.

And to the ones who forbid the tavern and wine
Say, in my Master's presence speak not of your spite

And if anyone else, in your presence speaks
Tell them to pause for your prayerful respite.

Though I am a sinner, judge me not by my sins
You be the King & I, the mendicant, contrite.

To this poor man tell the tale of generous ones
With this beggar speak only of kingly might.

I sacrifice my life in the trap of your hair
O morning breeze speak of the stranger in the night.

The tale of the Knower, the Wise, nourishes the soul
Ask secrets of Him, and with your stories excite.

If to His feast, Hafiz, they would invite
Drink wine & throw away every deceitful rite.