Hafez · Ghazal 288 · The water's edge and the willow
کنار آب و پای بید و طبع شعر و یاری خوشمعاشر دلبری شیرین و ساقی گلعذاری خوش
الا ای دولتی طالع، که قدر وقت می‌دانیگوارا بادت این عشرت که داری روزگاری خوش
هر آن کس را که در خاطر ز عشق دلبری باریستسپندی گو بر آتش نه، که دارد کار و باری خوش
عروس طبع را زیور ز فکر بکر می‌بندمبود کز دست ایامم به دست افتد نگاری خوش
شب صحبت غنیمت دان و داد خوشدلی بستانکه مهتابی دل افروز است و طرف لاله زاری خوش
میی در کاسه چشم است ساقی را بنامیزدکه مستی می‌کند با عقل و می‌بخشد خماری خوش
به غفلت عمر شد حافظ، بیا با ما به میخانهکه شنگولان خوش باشت، بیاموزند کاری خوش
This is a picture of contentment: a stream, a willow, a good friend, a little poetry, moonlight on a field of tulips. Hafez calls you fortunate if you know the worth of such a moment, and urges you to take your share of happiness while it is here. Perhaps your question has made you look far ahead; this ghazal turns you gently back to what is already good around you. Protect it with gratitude rather than worry. There is still time to learn the art of being glad.
The water's edge, the foot of the willow, a mood for poetry and a pleasant friend;
a sweet beloved for company, and a lovely rose-cheeked saqi.
Ah, you who are blessed with fortune and know the worth of the moment,
may this joy be sweet to you, for you are living in good times.
Whoever carries in his heart the weight of love for a beauty,
tell him to put rue-seed on the fire, for his affairs are going well.
I adorn the bride of my nature with jewels of fresh thought,
hoping that from the hand of time a lovely beauty may fall into my hands.
Count a night of good company a gift, and take your full share of gladness,
for the moonlight kindles the heart, and the edge of the tulip field is lovely.
There is a wine in the cup of the saqi's eye, God keep it from harm,
that plays drunk with reason and leaves a pleasant languor behind.
Your life has gone by in heedlessness, Hafez; come with us to the tavern,
so that the merry, carefree ones may teach you a pleasant trade.