1. I swore by the One to whom the Quraysh made pilgrimage to His House
And presented to Him offerings with necklaces upon them

2. If my absence from you has been long, I strive
To please you however long my journey takes

3. But my sickness has been so prolonged, and
The sympathetic, concerned visitors have increased upon me

4. A bedridden one who is constantly told by well-wishers
With advice and compassion “when will you get up?”

5. So when wakefulness overcame me, I confided my need
To you, and humbled my tongue to compose poetry

6. And I - do not doubt my devotion,
My advice and compassion for you as pillars

7. Do not cut me off until I am incapacitated
When a relative despairs and a hater gloats

8. Grant me, bring me close, for I will achieve
Your pleasure with pardon from your equal and more

9. I remain asleep while my heart is somewhat aware
And my skin is touched with cold

10. And I used to have, when I met you
Affection, kindness, and a guide to good

11. To you my wakefulness journeyed until it became
One heavy with travel, its freshness wilted by missiles

12. Until its valleys were all furrowed, its complaint
Hilly, and the rest of it polluted shreds

13. Until the visit of she of the resting-places drew near
To you, and all the determined pilgrims bowed down