1. They left behind when they parted a blazing
breast that will not abandon the wilds.

2. And eyelids over a lovely neighbor
like statues with blood flowing down their cheeks.

3. Between us came a day when they left
and in that twisting separation was a meeting.

4. They departed while their cheeks still held
a light that clothed the darkness in radiance.

5. Each white cheek like the sun—how many
dark-complexioned ones it sheltered from Sa'dah.

6. Like fresh dates, soft and plump—if only
I could sip the water from their ripeness.

7. A glance from them would cure any sickness
with a draught from the Lord of remedy.

8. The land poured forth where they tarried
morning to evening in the bloom of life.

9. The rain clothed their land in green
and filled their valleys with melody.

10. I will not blame them for breaking vows
whether near or far—only fidelity.