1. O Alwah, I never thought I would repay
Kindness with rejection, while my heart is filled with love for you

2. If I conceal the secret of love, my tears reveal it
And my sickness for you has made me helpless

3. I remain steadfast in preserving affection, though
I find your estrangement humiliating, and your company honourable

4. I have become like a lovesick camel weeping over water
Or like Kathir pining intensely for the beloved

5. I excuse myself for loving, and blame myself
For one who does not love is disgraced among people

6. And I never completely awaken from intoxication with your love
As the spear of your stature pierces my heart time and again

7. The serpent of your branch bites my innermost being
And the sword of your glance cuts my ribs to pieces

8. So let not my ears hear the reproachers in love
For my eyes have not seen so as to understand symbols

9. How often has my soul desired just a glance from you
Yet the thought of you shook me violently

10. Alas! I cannot attain union while united with you
Its scope is far beyond what my soul desires