Ghazal 6: At Life's Banquet Poem by Hafiz of Shiraz

O Sufi! Come and see how my cup mirrors light
Tempting you to glance at the ruby wine so bright

Of rapt revelers, question the secret beyond the veil
Knowledge of this, beyond the zealot's soul will sail

The phoenix is the prey of none. Unleash your snare
Lay your net here and hunt down but empty air

Drink wine at life's banquet with wealth galore
Curb hope and desire to let union last evermore

O heart! Your prime is over, no rose for ecstasy
Gray-haired men seek virtue, name and gravity

Seek ready joys; for Adam, nothing did remain
'The Son of Man lost the home of peace in vain'

My rights, which are the menial's due, I plead
Lord! Vouch to glance upon your slave and lead

Hafiz gives in to wine. O morning breeze! Blow away!
To master of Jam, the greetings of this servant convey


English Translation © Ali Salami
Tehran, Iran
salami2046@gmail.com