Hafez · Ghazal 345 · Without you, O swaying cypress
بی تو ای سرو روان، با گل و گلشن چه کنم؟زلف سنبل چه کشم عارض سوسن چه کنم؟
آه کز طعنه بدخواه ندیدم رویتنیست چون آینه‌ام روی ز آهن، چه کنم؟
برو ای ناصح و بر دردکشان خرده مگیرکارفرمای قدر می‌کند این، من چه کنم؟
برق غیرت چو چنین می‌جهد از مکمن غیبتو بفرما که من سوخته خرمن چه کنم؟
شاه ترکان چو پسندید و به چاهم انداختدستگیر ار نشود لطف تهمتن چه کنم؟
مددی گر به چراغی نکند آتش طورچاره تیره‌شب وادی ایمن چه کنم؟
حافظا خلدبرین خانه موروث من استاندر این منزل ویرانه نشیمن چه کنم؟
This ghazal asks again and again, what can I do? Hafez feels helpless, like Bizhan thrown into the well, waiting for Rostam to pull him out. If you feel stuck, the verse does not ask you to climb out alone. It points to help that can come from outside: a strong and kind hand, a light from the burning bush in the dark valley. Ask for that help. And remember Hafez's last line: you belong to a brighter home, and this ruined place is only a stage on the road.
Without you, O swaying cypress, what shall I do with the rose and the garden?
Why should I stroke the hyacinth's curl? What shall I do with the lily's cheek?
Ah, because of the ill-wisher's taunts I have not seen your face;
my face is not made of iron like a mirror; what can I do?
Go, counsellor, and do not find fault with those who drink the dregs;
the one who commands fate does this; what can I do?
When the lightning of jealousy flashes like this from the hiding place of the Unseen,
you tell me, what am I to do, whose harvest is burned?
Since the king of the Turks approved of it and threw me into the well,
if the kindness of Tahamtan does not take my hand, what shall I do?
If the fire of Sinai does not lend its help to a lamp,
what remedy shall I find for the dark night of the valley of Ayman?
Hafez, the highest paradise is the home I inherited;
why should I make my dwelling in this ruined stopping-place?