The High Places

A lovers serenade (by LutherBash deviantart.com)

The Day of Hope 

The days of absence and the bitter nights 
Of separation, all are at an end! 
Where is the influence of the star that blights 
My hope? The omen answers: At an end! 
Autumn’s abundance, creeping Autumn’s mirth, 
Are ended and forgot when o’er the earth 
The wind of Spring with soft warm feet doth wend. 

The Day of Hope, hid beneath Sorrow’s veil, 
Has shown its face–ah, cry that all may hear: 
Come forth! the powers of night no more prevail! 
Praise be to God, now that the rose is near 
With long-desired and flaming coronet, 
The cruel stinging thorns all men forget, 
The wind of Winter ends its proud career. 

The long confusion of the nights that were, 
Anguish that dwelt within my heart, is o’er; 
‘Neath the protection of my lady’s hair 
Grief nor disquiet come to me no more. 
What though her curls wrought all my misery, 
My lady’s gracious face can comfort me, 
And at the end give what I sorrow for.

Light-hearted to the tavern let me go, 
Where laughs the pipe, the merry cymbals kiss; 
Under the history of all my woe, 
My mistress sets her hand and writes: Finis. 
Oh, linger not, nor trust the inconstant days 
That promised: Where thou art thy lady stays– 
The tale of separation ends with this! 

Joy’s certain path, oh Saki, thou hast shown– 
Long may thy cup be full, thy days be fair! 
Trouble and sickness from my breast have flown, 
Order and health thy wisdom marshals there. 
Not one that numbered Hafiz’ name among 
The great-unnumbered were his tears, unsung; 
Praise him that sets an end to endless care!


~ Teachings of Hafiz  (Translated by Gertrude Bell 1897)