Wild Deer.

Shams al-Din Hafiz

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Where are you O Wild Deer?
I have known you for a while, here.

Both loners, both lost, both forsaken
The wild beast, for ambush, have all waken

Let us inquire of each other's state
If we can, each other's wishes consummate

I can see this chaotic field
Joy and peace sometimes won't yield

O friends, tell me who braves the danger
To befriend the forsaken, behold the stranger

Unless blessed Elias may come one day
And with his good office open the way

It is time to cultivate love
Individually decreed from above

Thus I remember the wise old man
Forgetting such a one, I never can

That one day, a seeker in a land
A wise one helped him understand

Seeker, what do you keep in your bag
Set up a trap, if bait you drag

In reply said I keep a snare
But for the phoenix I shall dare

Asked how will you find its sign
We can't help you with your design

Like the spruce become so wise
Rise to the heights, open your eyes

Don't lose sight of the rose and wine
But beware of your fate's design

At the fountainhead, by the riverside
Shed some tears, in your heart confide

This instrument won't tune to my needs
The generous sun, our wants exceeds

In memory of friends bygone
with spring showers hide the golden sun

With such cruelty cleaved with a sword
As if with friendship was in full discord

When flows forth the crying river
With your own tears help it deliver

My old companion was so unkind
O Pious Men, keep God in mind

Unless blessed Elias may come one day
Help one loner to another make way

Look at the gem and let go of the stone
Do it in a way that keeps you unknown

As my hand moves the pen to write
Ask the main writer to shed His light

I entwined mind and soul indeed
Then planted the resulting seed

In this marriage the outcome is joy
Beauty and soulfulness employ

With hope's fragrant perfume
Let eternal soul rapture assume

This perfume comes from angel's sides
Not from the doe whom men derides

Friends, to friends' worth be smart
When obvious, don't read it by heart

This is the end of tales of advice
Lie in ambush, fate's cunning and vice.

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Comments2
  • One man

    I kinda relate to this poem, especially the part that says "Both loners, both lost, both forsaken. The wild beast, for ambush, have all waken." It really resonates with me, how sometimes we all feel lost and alone in this crazy world. 🌍 Beautiful poem! 😍😊

    • elbertpostle941

      Hafiz's metaphors are so vivid! 🍃 What does the "wild deer" symbolise here? 🤔