Secure place and sweet wine an...

Secure place and sweet wine and tender friend

If only we could keep these three until the end.

The world and its affairs are all nothing for naught

A thousand times I have inquired of this trend.

Alas that until now I was so unaware

That alchemy of life is to befriend a friend.

Find a refuge and make the best of times

From the thieves of life, that our time waste and spend.

Repenting from the lips of the friend and the smiling cup

Is but a fantasy, a notion reason can’t defend.

Though I cannot ever touch your beautiful hair

On this vivid hope I can gladly depend.

The sweet dimple that adorns your chin, in depth,

A million deep thoughts can’t possibly transcend.

If my tears turn ruby color, say naught

For the seal of your lips, with ruby blend.

Mockingly said, Hafiz, to your every whim I tend

To what depths of mockery must I stoop and descend?