Wednesday, July 27, 2011

For You Alone

a ghazel by Hafez of Shiraz (1325/26-1389/90)
translated by Michael Sells

The breath of the morning breeze
will fall, fragrant of musk

The world grown old
will be young again

The rosebud will give to the lily
its crimson cup, the narcissus
to the anemone
black fire

If you put off for tomorrow, heart,
the joy of today

Who will secure you the funds
for the fidelity trust of the day after?

If I stumble from mosque to tavern,
don't complain

Long is the council of admonition,
Time there will be.

To this plane of existence, for you alone,
Hafez comes

Set your foot to dance him farewell
He’ll soon be on his way


Previous submissions from Michael Sells:

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