1. Why torment yourself with memories,
Stirring up what's hidden, spreading it?

2. Though interred in depths of passion,
In corners of years I have stored them.

3. Oblivious I’ve become of them, though
They’ve come to remind me of her.

4. How can I quench this blazing fire
When you fan the flames even higher?

5. See me, hand on chest, gasping, wheezing,
Each breath threatens to blow me away.

6. My soul's surrendered to God, yet Love’s prophet
Comes to strengthen passion’s sway.

7. Fate winked and jabbed at my side till
Even eyes’ glances reign victorious.

8. Obsession sent me on nights’ dark travels,
Most exquisite in love are the dangerous.

9. I left Beirut, its comforts, behind,
To climb the Carmel amidst the cedars,

10. I came in darkness blanketing the land,
And sleep drugging it with soporifics.

11. I looked for the door but could not find it,
I circled the house but could not see it,

12. Till a lamp’s glow and lightning flash
Showed the way and burst barriers.

13. I hurried to the door and knocked away
At its stubborn locks, break them I would!

14. No lover’s soul turns away from the spring
Where his thirst is quenched, his longing subdued.

15. The door opened onto an icon-stand
Dimly lit, perhaps to warn of danger.

16. I said, “Good evening, might you allow
A seeking refuge – how reject a stranger?”

17. “Do you have guests?” I asked. She said, “Her brother.”
“That is me,” I said. “Please go tell her.”

18. “But sleep has taken her, tired of waiting,
Shall we wake her?” I said, “Nay, let her slumber,

19. Vex not her sweet dreams, but at dawn I’ll surprise her.
I’ll sleep apart not to disturb her rest,

20. Lest she wakes to find me there beside her.”
“But that is her bed, the light shows it best.”

21. “You’re so good to her, and a brother’s care
Can sometimes prove a sister’s tormentor.”

22. Deceptions of love become trusts,
I love even the hearts whose love I doubt.

23. “You fool, begone!” And she left in haste
As I thanked her gently for her grace.

24. No harsh rebukes! What soul so brash
As to chide one whose rebukes cut like a lash?

25. Patience, my soul, no impatient one can school
A heart not schooled in patience by its beloved.

26. When I slipped away seeking her, I knew not
Who could show me the paths that lovers once trod.

27.
A houri lies sleeping in her bed,

28. Her limbs a painting by Raphael.
You’re the mine of her beauty, the essence

29. Of her love - its very own jewel.
When her face is not near, my watching and waiting

30. Wear away and wander confused.
Her arms a pillow, tears flowing freely,

31. Only her tresses cloak what they can.
I know the longing piercing her ribs

32. By the sigh searing as a flame’s roar.
Below is a pomegranate, flickering, fluttering,

33. Fearing the earth crumbling away beneath.
“Beneath us a blaze melts and melds us,

34. Turning us into one mass burning forever.”
When her face is not near, my watching and waiting

35. Wear away and wander confused.
Between her lids, a pearl I glimpse

36. Now captive to slumber, prisoner.
Her lashes shut it away, though almost

37. Scattered by inner turmoil’s tremors.
You’re the mine of her beauty, the essence

38. Of her love - its very own jewel.
With her branches she binds my arms,

39. I take refuge in her shade, cling to her presence.