1. The youth's amusement does not slip from him,
The limits of modesty with coy glances.

2. And he wakes up with outright aloofness
Without cause, and clear estrangement.

3. And they said, “There is no blame,” so I said, “Nay,
My gray hair alone is my disgrace among you.”

4. Does not gray hair bring my death closer
And give hope to those who wish me gone?

5. Gray hair that has crept into smooth hair
Like the mange in healthy camels.

6. It is as if after its creeping, I am one who gallops
Onto appointment without wings.

7. Or one who is tangled with enemies
And the prospects of escape are closed to him.

8. May God water fresh, delightful youth
With old or pure wine like the forehead’s vein.

9. I have nights with no blameworthy manners,
So neither my seriousness is condemned nor my jest.

10. And when I am done with the vanities of youth
And the pleasures of singing girls and the like,

11. And their ears inclined toward me,
Shouting for my choice and my suggestion.

12. Then, Ibn Hamad, listen to these breakers
Of the words of a young man restrained by principles.

13. So he said, “Not all words are true.
Does this gray hair prevent my amusement?”

14. May God deprive you of a friend whose affection
Diverted my mind from its frenzy.

15. He was my comfort during the sparks of days
And my morning during their embers.