Ghazal 319
سالها پیروی مذهب رندان کردم
تا به فتوی خرد حرص به زندان کردم
من به سرمنزل عنقا نه به خود بردم راه
قطع این مرحله با مرغ سلیمان کردم
سایهای بر دل ریشم فکن ای گنج روان
که من این خانه به سودای تو ویران کردم
توبه کردم که نبوسم لب ساقی و کنون
میگزم لب که چرا گوش به نادان کردم
در خلافآمد عادت بطلب کام! که من
کسب جمعیت از آن زلف پریشان کردم
نقش مستوری و مستی نه به دست من و توست
آن چه سلطان ازل گفت بکن، آن کردم
دارم از لطف ازل جنت فردوس طمع
گرچه دربانی میخانه فراوان کردم
این که پیرانهسرم صحبت یوسف بنواخت
اجر صبریست که در کلبهٔ احزان کردم
صبحخیزی و سلامت طلبی چون حافظ
هر چه کردم همه از دولت قرآن کردم
گر به دیوان غزل صدرنشینم چه عجب؟
سالها بندگی صاحب دیوان کردم
For years I followed the creed of the rends,
until, by the ruling of reason, I put greed in prison.
I did not find the way to the home of the Anqa by myself;
I crossed that stage with the bird of Solomon.
Cast a shadow on my wounded heart, O moving treasure,
for I have laid this house in ruins out of passion for you.
I repented, vowing not to kiss the lip of the cupbearer, and now
I bite my own lip: why did I listen to the ignorant?
Look for what you desire in what runs against custom, for I
gained composure from that scattered tress.
The part of sobriety or of drunkenness is not in my hands or yours;
what the Sultan of pre-eternity said "Do", that I did.
From eternal kindness I hope for the garden of paradise,
although I have done much service as doorkeeper of the tavern.
That in my old age the company of Joseph has been kind to me
is the reward for the patience I kept in the hut of sorrows.
Rising at dawn and seeking a sound life, like Hafez,
whatever I have done, I have done through the blessing of the Quran.
If I sit in the place of honour in the divan of the ghazal, what wonder?
For years I served the master of the divan.
Years of effort and patience have now borne fruit for you. You did not travel this road alone, but with the help of a knowledgeable guide: value them. Sometimes success lies in the very thing that goes against habit. What has come to you late in life, or after a long wait, is the reward for patience in the days of sorrow. Your present standing is the fruit of service and perseverance.