Poems from the Divan of Hafiz

by active 14th century Hafiz

What is wrought in the forge of the living and life—

All things are nought! Ho! fill me the bowl,

For nought is the gear of the world and the strife!

One passion has quickened the heart and the soul,

The Beloved’s presence alone they have sought—

Love at least exists; yet if Love were not,

Heart and soul would sink to the common lot—

All things are nought!

Like an empty cup is the fate of each,

That each must fill from Life’s mighty flood;