Wine Poem by Lawrence Hiung

Come, light up the cup with sparkling wine
For life is lovely, and everything is fine.

In the wine reflected when I see your face
I feel exalted by the Divine Grace

Like cypress tree, when you swing and sway,
The beauties you throw in disarray

The one who loves can never die
For love is eternal, no one can deny.

From love, when drunk, you do not shrink
So happy are those with whom you drink

Don't listen to the preacher who talks of sin
On the Judgment Day, our wine will win

O breeze of spring, to my darling well
You touch her often; you know her well

I still remember the day we met
Though you've forgotten, I cannot forget

My fate it was, and I bore the cost
Regret I not having loved and lost

If you don't believe, and think I am a sham
Come talk to my patron, the generous Quam

And think of your Hafiz, and don't say no
Come back to him, for he loves you so.

Composed by: Hafiz (Shamsuddin Mohamed 1320- 1381, Shiraz, Iran)