1. To Gaza's paradise of youth my longing pulls,
In shade of orange tree with lovely Fátima, be

2. In yard of her abode to kneel in worship long,
And by her tomb to pass the night in vigilry;

3. And of her bread procure though but a little crumb,
And of her water draw, though but your palm-fuls flee;

4. Beneath her shoes to greet my roots delightedly,
The fringe of her robe to clutch and cherish lovingly;

5. Within her arms to bask in sun so beautiful,
While grief's relentless doom is banished utterly;

6. Beneath her lids for guidance by the Star take heed -
Back to my town, while down the lanes I saunter free,

7. The dust and garth to kiss, and cry aloud in glee:
"My dear home I forsook and lost my way, O me!

8. Yet to that childhood paradise return I can,
Though grey my hair, and ripe grapes hang where buds used to be.

9. Among its peaks like mountains rise in majesty!
Survey its face of honour, cleave to it loyally!

10. And if death's doom in its most precious earth be mine,
Then triumph unsurpassed for me assured will be!

11. If enemy swords bring no relief in gallantry,
Than treachery of Arab tribes worse evil will I see!

12. Our lives are quarries doomed by Death's rapacity;
No screams deter its onslaught's fierce intensity,

13. Except for this one, which has bowed to its decree,
As though to question, "I, or my effigy?"

14. When asked, it says, as tears start flowing copiously:
"Bury it in the dust!" - and turns from me rapidly,

15. "Ask not what darkened your ill-omened destiny!
It points to nothing good, take trustworthy counsel from me!

16. Return no more, when once you're gone - so utterly
Split I remain, beyond all hope of unity!

17. Like desert Arabs' camp, their tents strewn dazedly!
My land's a wilderness, all comers enter free.

18. A fading star, its black hole set voraciously -
No more acclaimed among the chieftains honoredly,

19. Nor in their breeding-runs or riding-tracks found worthy,
What race admits an elephant ungainlily?

20. When reason sold for madness, lunacy bought I foolishly,
And from my words no healing draught flows soothingly.

21. Childhood's sweet dreams and youthful joy passed heedlessly, -
Though called, refused to enter in and dwell with me.

22. And when to life-in-death returned disconsolately,
Impassable ravines thwarted my passage utterly.

23. So I'm not I, nor you, forsake me speedily!
For judgement now before God's throne I take my leave.

24. On threshold between two Edens make your choice judiciously!
Do not forsake, else mourn your deed and rue it tearfully!"