Don't Despair

Joseph to his father in Canaan shall return, don't despair;

and Jacob's hut will brighten with flowers, don't despair.

Aching hearts heal in time, vanished hopes reappear,

the disparate mind will be pacified, don't despair.

As the spring of life grows the newly green meadow,

roses will crown the sweet nightingale's song, don't despair.

If the world does not turn to your whims these few days,

cosmic cycles are preparing to change, don't despair.

If desperation whispers you'll never know God,

it's the talk of hidden games in the veil, don't despair.

O heart, when the vast flood slashes life to its roots,

Captain Noah waits to steer you ashore, don't despair.

If you trek as a pilgrim through sands to Kaabah

with thorns lodged deep in your soul shouting why, don't despair.

Though oases hide dangers and your destiny's far,

there's no pathway that goes on forever, don't despair.

My trials and enemies face me on their own,

but mystery always backs up my stand, don't despair.

Hafez, weakened by poverty, alone in the dark,

this night is your pathway into the light, don't despair.

... Hafez-e Sirazi