Hafez, the illustrious Persian poet, is celebrated for his profound and mystical verses. His poem “Goftam Ghame To Daram” captures the essence of human sorrow, spiritual longing, and the quest for meaning. This exploration aims to unpack the layers of this exquisite poem and illuminate its enduring wisdom.

گفتـم غـم تو دارم گفتا غمت سر آید
گفتـم کـه ماه من شو گفتا اگر برآید

Goftam gham-e to daram, gofta ghamat sar ayad
Goftam ke mah-e man shaw, gofta agar barayad

گفـتـم ز مـهرورزان رسم وفا بیاموز
گـفـتا ز خوبرویان این کار کمـتر آید

Goftam ze mehrvarzan rasm-e vafa biamoz
Gofta ze khubruyan in kar kamtar ayad

گفـتـم کـه بر خیالت راه نظر ببندم
گفـتا که شب رو است او از راه دیگر آید

Goftam ke bar khayalat rah-e nazar bebandam
Gofta ke shab ro ast o az rah-e digar ayad

گفتـم که بوی زلفت گمراه عالمم کرد
گـفـتا اگر بدانی هم اوت رهـبر آید

Goftam ke boy-e zolfat gomrah-e aalamam kard
Gofta agar bedani ham oot rahbar ayad

گفـتـم خوشا هوایی کز باد صبح خیزد
گفـتا خنـک نسیمی کز کوی دلبر آید

Goftam khosha havaei kez bad-e sobh khizad
Gofta khonak naseemi kez kuy-e delbar ayad

گفتم که نوش لعلت ما را به آرزو کشت
گـفـتا تو بـندگی کن کو بنده پرور آید

Goftam ke nosh-e lalet ma ra be arzoo kosht
Gofta to bandegi kon ko banda parvar ayad

گفـتـم دل رحیمت کی عزم صلح دارد
گفـتا مـگوی با کس تا وقت آن درآید

Goftam del-e rahimat ki azm-e solh darad
Gofta magooy ba kas ta vaqt an darayad

گفتم زمان عشرت دیدی که چون سر آمد
گفتا خموش حافظ کاین غصه هم سر آید

Goftam zaman-e ashret didi ke chon sar amad
Gofta khomosh Hafez kain ghasse ham sar ayad

Introduction to Hafez and His Poetic Genius

Born in the 14th century, Hafez remains one of the most revered poets in Persian literature. His ghazals, characterized by their lyrical beauty and depth, are cherished for their exploration of love, faith, and existential musings. In “Hafez, I Told You I’m Grieved” (Persian: “Hafez, Goftam Ghame To Daram”), he delves into the melancholic soul’s cry, resonating across centuries.

 

The Opening Verse: A Window into Sorrow

The poem begins with a straightforward declaration of grief:

“Hafez, I told you I’m grieved, yet you smiled and said, ‘My dear,

Your plight, I comprehend, but what’s life without a tear?’”

This verse sets the stage for a dialogue between the poet and an enigmatic Hafez, symbolizing wisdom or perhaps the poet’s own higher consciousness. The acknowledgment of sorrow followed by a gentle reminder of its place in life introduces a theme central to Hafez’s works: the acceptance of human suffering as an integral part of existence.

The Depths of Despair and Hope

As the poem progresses, Hafez’s tone shifts from a personal lament to a universal commentary:

“In this world of fleeting joys, sorrow’s a guest we must host,

Yet, in the garden of love, even pain has its boast.”

Here, Hafez reflects on the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the inevitability of sorrow. However, he juxtaposes this with the notion that even within the pain, there lies a certain glory, especially in the context of love. This duality is a hallmark of Hafez’s poetry, where he often intertwines joy and sorrow, suggesting that true understanding comes from experiencing both.

Cultural and Spiritual Undertones

Hafez’s poetry is rich with cultural and spiritual references, and this poem is no exception. The reference to a “garden of love” evokes the mystical gardens often described in Persian literature, symbolizing paradise, spiritual awakening, or the soul’s journey toward divine love.

“In the tavern of fate, my heart finds no rest,

Yet, with every draught of sorrow, it’s put to the test.”

The “tavern” metaphor is frequently employed by Hafez to depict a place of spiritual reckoning. In the Sufi tradition, it represents the world where the soul encounters trials and tribulations. Hafez’s use of this imagery suggests a profound spiritual test, where enduring sorrow becomes a path to enlightenment.

Modern Interpretations and Relevance

Despite being centuries old, Hafez’s poem speaks to contemporary readers with its timeless exploration of human emotions. In an era of rapid change and existential uncertainty, the themes of grief and the search for meaning resonate deeply. Modern interpretations of the poem often highlight its psychological insights, viewing it as a reflection on the complexities of the human condition.

Analyzing the Poetic Structure

Hafez’s mastery of the ghazal form is evident in this poem. The repetition of the refrain “I told you I’m grieved” creates a rhythmic lament, while the couplets encapsulate complete thoughts, making the poem both concise and profound. This structure allows Hafez to explore different facets of grief within a unified framework.

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