1. I bid farewell to the Yemeni blend,
And Suhail, and warned him we shall not meet again.

2. We were in Ukaz like neighbors in adjoining houses,
Like two companions after nearness is estranged.

3. You were my malady, and you are its remedy,
Yet you denied me my cure when you denied me your love.

4. My cure was for you to favor me,
And ward off hostile slanderers.

5. If Yazid’s favors do not come my way,
I will depart and leave all Sham’s towns vacant.

6. I am content with other pastures, for I now
Change valleys if an abode displeases me.

7. I endured separation from friends I loved,
Though on morn of parting I wished we might meet again.

8. Once neighbors guided me; later I guided them,
Until even my camel ceased longing for our watering holes.

9. Hope in you consoled me for loss of brothers,
And your wealth consoled me for loss of my own.

10. Angry litigants smooth down their beards
Like shedding clouds trailing wispy rain.

11. Before a locked door rivals crave its hospitality,
And men love taking sides with their allies.

12. I turned aside for them after much disdain
Planning that which would tax their evasive skills.

13. I passed the night while the firewood gatherers
Slept in a barren, desolate valley of snakes.

14. They did not budge until collecting its kindling
And firewood green and dry from the `idhār trees,

15. When they fanned it with fuel it was enraged
And reduced the meat to bare bones.

16. A pot companion for murky gloom, craving
To feast on the limbs of ewes peacefully grazing.

17. A kettle like clashing rocks, set to boil
After the embers subsided to gently glowing coals,

18. With a morsel of fat lamb meat, still bleeding,
While shepherdesses of `ijāf began their plaintive sing-song calls.

19. Beside it, sands of `Unayyis where sheep graze,
Seeking refuge in it, craning their necks to browse.

20. O Abū Khālid, reject not sincere advice—
Clear counsel from pure hearts we inscribe for you.

21. Thus we bequeath, for inheritance is yours,
O beloveds, tenders of the Protected Enclosure.