1. The talk of youth is sweet, so grant me some youthful talk,
And speak to me of Zainab - may God tend Zainab!

2. But do not press me about those who dwell in my heart,
For they have settled in my tormented soul.

3. How can I be diverted from people I love?
One only loves his fellow man when there is affection.

4. Yes, they are the desire of my soul and the goal of my quest;
My soul seeks nothing but to be with them.

5. Among them I have one, were I to hint at his name,
My tongue would bleed and the wild beasts weep.

6. A gazelle you see, pouring forth tears,
Ash-colored, a lost fawn, white with age,

7. Split hoofed, his legs speckled,
With a fattened rump and a striped withers.

8. When his face shines out I say the moon has risen in darkness,
And when he displays himself I say musk is blown by the breeze.

9. If one day you throw a kiss and he lowers his cheek,
And one day you throw a veil and he refuses to raise it,

10. Who sees al-Husayn’s state at Karbala’
Sees water but cannot reach drink,

11. I am troubled by a heart that knows not passion
And is not content to pursue the ways of estrangement.

12. My companion, my wish has long awaited fulfilment,
My heart throbbing with enduring injustice.

13. So journey with maidens bound for Judayl, and draw near,
From the Goat, their towers, to the Star, their ship.

14. How you blame the slain victim of your passion,
When the sin is yours, and the coldness your coldness!