Translated by A. Z. Foreman - Ghazal 1, Ars Poetica lyrics

Come wineboy, bring the cup around and pour the spirit free. Love, at first sight, looked easy. But it soon got hard for me. In pining for the musk-sweet scent dawn wind bears from her hair Such tearful blood wells in the hearts of lovers everywhere. No chance of rest or pleasure at love's station in my heart. Life's bells already ring outside: make ready to depart. Stain prayer-mats with wine if the wine-seller tells you to. Pilgrims must know the way, its every stage, and what to do. The dread of waves, the dark of night, the maelstrom's monstrous roar... How can they know my plight, who stay so carefree on the shore? All my pursuits for my own pleasure ruined my good name. When gossip-parties learn your secret, it becomes your shame. Hafiz! If you so wish to be with Him, then do not hide. That day you meet the One you yearn for, cast this world aside.