Don’t Despair…

by Hafez

Joseph to his father in Canaan shall return, don’t despair walk on;
and Jacob’s hut will brighten with flowers, don’t despair walk on.

Aching hearts heal in time, vanished hopes reappear,
the disparate mind will be pacified, don’t despair walk on.

As the spring of life grows the newly green meadow,
roses will crown the sweet nightingale’s song, don’t despair walk on

If the world does not turn to your whims these few days,
cosmic cycles are preparing to change, don’t despair walk on.

If desperation whispers you’ll never know God,
it’s the talk of hidden games in the veil, don’t despair walk on.

O heart, when the vast flood slashes life to its roots,
Captain Noah waits to steer you ashore, don’t despair walk on.

If you trek as a pilgrim through sands to Kaabeh
with thorns lodged deep in your soul shouting why, don’t despair walk on

Though oases hide dangers and your destiny’s far,
there’s no pathway that goes on forever, don’t despair walk on.

My trials and enemies face me on their own,
but mystery always backs up my stand, don’t despair walk on.

Hafez, weakened by poverty, alone in the dark,
this night is your pathway into the light, don’t despair walk on.

From: The Spiritual Wisdom of Hafez
Haleh Pourafzal and Roger Montgomery

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