Your Lover's Beloved: 51 Ghazals in English translation
Hafez is Iran's most beloved, most highly revered, and most frequently quoted lyric poet. He was born in Shiraz circa 1320 and died around 1390. Not much is known about his life except the most general facts. Son of a merchant, Hafez was well educated, married, and had a son. After his talent for poetry became apparent, Hafez became the court poet for most of the rulers of Shiraz during his lifetime.

Hafez in artIn Iran Hafez is known by the following name, Khajeh Shams ad-Din Mohammad Hafez-e Shirazi. The word Khajeh is a term of respect which is awarded to someone who embodies wisdom and learning. Shams ad-Din literally means "sun of religion" and was also a descriptive phrase signifying his expertise in the Qu'ran. Mohammad is Hafez's given name. The term "Hafez" is an honorary title given to someone who has memorized the entire Qu'ran. Hence, Hafez's pen name is derived from his knowledge about the Qu'ran. The Shirazi at the end of the name alerts the reader to the poet's hometown. Hafez is believed to have spent most of his life in Shiraz, except for one or two incidents when he was exiled.

The poetry of Hafez is a pleasing, magical wine that allows you to become exactly as drunk as you desire every time you taste it. Whether the transport you seek is the frenzy of wild intoxication or merely the slightest unleashing of inhibitions, Hafez is the master of magnanimity, tamer of tensions, initiator of intimacy, and mentor of the unconventional. Hafez lives on the lips of illiterates, in the singing of professional entertainers, as well as in the tomes of specialists. His poems are emergencies. They startle, confound, yet resonate. Reading Hafez is like suddenly hearing an ambulance siren over your shoulder in a crowded street or the whispered advice of your best friend in your ear alone.

You'll Be Hunted

It's the beginning of spring; try to be happy
Because many times flowers will blossom again, and you'll be the mud.

Now I'm not telling you who to sit with and what to drink
Because you'll know that yourself if you're clever and wise.

The harp hints the same advice to you secretly; however,
Advice will help you only if you become worthy.

In the meadow, every blade of grass evokes a unmistakable feeling.
What a waste to be ignorant of all this creation.

The world's misery will subtract the present moment of your life uselessly
If day and night you remain entangled in such a disagreeable story.

Although there's a dangerous path full of fear from us to the friend,
Going will be easy once you're acquainted with the destination.

Hafez, if good luck offers you any assistance,
You'll be hunted by the lover's breathtaking face.