Number 5

GhazalLiterary Return
English

Number 5

The One who gives lovers their sobbing tears is the same One who gave the rose-cheeked beauties their heart-opening smile on red lips. Watch the way the beloved's eyes move, watch the chaos of the age, as that kohl-darkened, narcissus eye turns to flirt and seduce. The wine cup is a mirror that reflects a whole world; look in the hands of the drinkers and you'll see the cup that shows the universe. From this caravan bell you hear the wailing of the heart; otherwise, where would a mere ringing chime carry such an effect? In the meadow of words there are many birds that sing, but I have never seen another nightingale so sweet-voiced as you.
Explanation: The 'cup that shows the universe' alludes to the legendary cup of Jamshid, said to reveal all the world. The narcissus is a classic Persian image for the beloved's eye.

Original · Persian

شمارهٔ ۵

آنکه دهد به عاشقان گریهٔ های های را داده بلعل گلرخان خندهٔ دلگشای را
گردش چشم یار بین فتنه روزگار بین چون که به عشوه آورد نرگس سرمه سای را
آینه ایست جام می چهره نمای عالمی در کف میکشان نگر جام جهان نمای را
نالهٔ دل از این جرس میشنوی ز کاروان ورنه کجاست این اثر زمزمه درای را
در چمن سخن بسی مرغ سخن سرا بود چون تو ندیده ام دگر بلبل خوشنوای را