Whoever Despairs

Plant friendship’s tree – the heart’s desire

Is the fruit it bears;

And uproot enmity – which only brings

Sorrows and cares.

Be friendly, easy, with drunkards –

Good fellowship’s theirs;

Since pride brings the hangover, not

The wineseller’s wares.

Talk with your friends, deep in the night,

And see how life fares

Since when we are gone the heavens

Will bring others our cares;

And welcome the spring in your heart

Since the world never spares

To provide for us roses and songbirds,

Whoever despairs.

And love your beloved – the heavens require you

To be one who bears

The grief of Majnun all your life:

God grant me my prayers!

Your heart is so tired! You feel caught

In the weary world’s snares

But sip at the wine, and hear in your heart

The hope it declares:

That Hafez will sit in his orchard

By the stream that he shares

With his cypress-slim lover, God willing,

In the place that is theirs.

Hafez/Davis