1. I have talent in poetry
Of high caliber when I compose it

2. And classical Arabic supplies me with eloquent words
That dazzle if I string them into verses

3. If I am inspired in the night, the night becomes obedient
And I harness it

4. The meanings come to me fresh and maidenly
Just as I desired

5. If someone said my poetry is forgettable
And I forgot it, I would claim it as mine

6. I don't say anything without benefit to the tribe
Or make it trite

7. I never once poured it
Over a greedy person hoping for it

8. Poets scramble for money
But I spurn it

9. For poetry can be sown though when
I guarded dignity, I guarded it

10. It was dedicated in youth
To beauty and I folded it away

11. And now if God permits
Through his words I speak them

12. Or in praising Muhammad
If passion moves me to praise his poetry

13. If my nature preceded
The birth of Ahmad I would have waited for him

14. If it's possible for God to extend
My life if I ask

15. Until the surahs were sent down
To this world I would follow them

16. And marched in holy war with him
And the sweetness of his voice would please me

17. While I am content with martyrdom
And what I hoped for, I attained

18. O Lord, you delayed me
From him but I caught up

19. My soul roams with his spirit
So I feel I accompanied him

20. I hope only for the pilgrimage
If attained, O Lord, I would visit him