1. You think the moon's orbit is too far for me
If it disappears, to my discerning eye it is not far

2. Between my leaving and returning for my love
There is nothing in time that makes a tattoo fade

3. I must devise a plan to discipline myself
To focus my passion in my absence on my goal

4. And throw myself with determination into storms
Like ships at sea piloted by able hands

5. It is nothing but the soul wearing out its life
Turning in every striving that is predetermined

6. Does the waving of my body deceive you?
I am like a sword with a golden hilt

7. It is but a whiff of passing passion
I am rid of it like a loosened bracelet

8. You denied the greying of my hair
On what bright dawn in deep darkness?

9. My reckless youth would not take heed
It did not fly from my person in disgust

10. The turns of fate left me a remnant
A memento like an inscribed sword

11. No calamity shook me
Nor did the hands of fate influence my destiny

12. A red wine no seller would approve
Nor any buyer obtain

13. It lasted through the eras as if
The treasure of Chosroes or Qaisar's hoard

14. Nothing remains but a trace
Like a vague idea that escapes a thinker's mind

15. When a jug clinks as the cup is emptied
It returns a sound like tinkling bells

16. The flush of wine spreads over it
Turning the apple of the cupbearer's eye

17. However long the days I shorten each
No matter how sweet life is, it is too short