Persian poetry, with its profound wisdom and enchanting beauty, has been a source of inspiration for centuries. At the heart of this rich tradition is Hafez, whose Divan captures the essence of love, mysticism, and the human experience. Here, we’ve handpicked 8 Beautiful Poems from the Divan of Hafez in English Translation, that showcase his enduring genius.

1. “The Cup of Wine”

With a cup of wine in my hand, I delight in my own soul,  

For I have found the jewel hidden in the heart of the rose.  

The tavern’s flame brightens the dark night of my spirit,  

And the ruby wine is the light that guides me through life.

In this poem, Hafez uses the imagery of wine and the tavern to symbolize spiritual awakening and inner joy. The “cup of wine” represents enlightenment, while the “jewel” signifies the discovery of self and truth. This piece captures Hafez’s signature blend of mysticism and hedonism, inviting readers to seek deeper meaning in life’s pleasures.

2. “The Beloved’s Beauty”

Her face is a rose, her smile is the dawn,  

Her beauty shines brighter than the light of the sun.  

Every glance she bestows, every word she speaks,  

Transforms the garden of my heart into paradise.

This verse celebrates the transcendent beauty of the beloved, a recurring theme in Hafez’s poetry. Through vibrant imagery, Hafez elevates the beloved’s physical attributes to a divine level, reflecting his belief in the interconnectedness of earthly beauty and spiritual love.

3. “The Path of Love”

On the path of love, there are no boundaries or borders,  

Every heart must travel the same weary road.  

But with every step, the burden grows lighter,  

For love is the light that guides us home.

Hafez’s exploration of love as a journey highlights the transformative power of this emotion. Love is depicted not just as a source of joy but as a guiding force that leads to personal and spiritual growth.

4. “The Morning Breeze”

The morning breeze whispers secrets of the dawn,  

The garden blossoms, kissed by the dew’s embrace.  

O friend, wake up and drink the nectar of life,  

For the flowers fade as swiftly as the night’s shadow.

In this evocative poem, the morning breeze symbolizes the ephemeral nature of life and beauty. Hafez urges readers to embrace the present and savor life’s fleeting moments, a common motif in his work that emphasizes the importance of living in the now.

5. “The Tavern’s Door”

At the tavern’s door, the world’s troubles melt away,  

The wine of truth flows freely, intoxicating the soul.  

Seek not the path of righteousness or sin,  

But follow the heart’s desire and find your way.

Hafez often uses the metaphor of the tavern to represent a place of liberation and spiritual revelation. This poem challenges conventional notions of morality, advocating instead for a path guided by the heart and the pursuit of truth.

6. “The Nightingale’s Song”

In the quiet of the night, the nightingale sings,  

Its melody a lament for the lost rose.  

O seeker, listen and learn from its sorrow,  

For the heart that loves deeply knows true pain.

This poignant verse captures the melancholy and beauty of unrequited love. The nightingale, a symbol of the poet, sings of its longing for the rose, reflecting Hafez’s deep understanding of love’s joys and sorrows.

7. “The Desert’s Mystery”

In the vast desert, the mirage dances,  

The oasis a dream in the traveler’s eye.  

But amidst the sand and sun’s harsh glare,  

The true treasure lies hidden in the heart.

Hafez uses the desert as a metaphor for the human soul’s journey through life. The mirage represents the illusions and distractions that one encounters, while the hidden treasure signifies the inner truth and wisdom that can be discovered through introspection and perseverance.

8. “The Rose Garden”

In the rose garden, every petal tells a story,  

Each bloom a testament to life’s fleeting grace.  

O gardener of the soul, tend to your blossoms,  

For the fragrance of love is the sweetest reward.

This final selection celebrates the beauty and transience of life. The rose garden serves as a metaphor for the soul, where each flower represents a moment of love and beauty that must be cherished and cultivated.

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