1. They reminisced when the boon companions saw it,
Of the times of brewing from an ancient era,

2. So it came seeking retribution but made
Reason the loser in demanding justice.

3. Coffee that ruined time and so destroyed
Every sin of it but kept the essence.

4. It weighs then heavy on the tongue with the
Secret of its intoxication, yet makes burdens light.

5. Had the serious ones tasted of its dregs—
Another cup—calendars would be altered.

6. Conversely, had the eloquent tasted it,
Lethargy would enter their discourse.

7. The news informed us about those gone by
And counted for us past generations.

8. And told how the cavorting youths grew
Listless, empty, and how the wretched fared.

9. And how the fire spared Nimrod’s friend—
God’s prophet Abraham.

10. And the day Jonah was tried with the
Whale and was absolving in his acts.

11. And Jacob complained as his eyesight left him.
From grief and he was most forbearing.

12. And the soliloquy on the Mount when
The Merciful conversed with Moses, his prophet.

13. And Jesus’ prayer when the deceased
Was revived from his death and was wretched.

14. So we bore witness to its ancient merit
And gained from it lasting bliss.

15. And we unsealed its essence to behold
Its mixture was a gentle breeze.

16. And we continued with it to revive the soul’s essence
And were given its sealed nectar to drink.

17. In gardens of orchards where no vain
Talk is heard nor any blame.

18. Amidst companions like stars that do not
Look for any baseness or blemish between them.

19. And we made the cupbearer a beloved friend
Skillful in the mixing or a shy gazelle.

20. Then we saw in the wine’s serenity a sun
Rise in the sky of the cups as stars.

21. And we shot its spears at the demon of care
So for the demons they were missiles.

22. It birthed the pearls of love though it was
Sterile before the mixing occurred.

23. At its drinking the field of life was fertile
And the abyss of worries became barren.

24. So strike it sparkling to bring the soul’s spirit to life
When cares vanish.

25. And condense it—its paucity revives the soul
And its excess harms bodies.

26. So commit the most beautiful sin for benefit
And believe that committing it is forbidden.

27. Then repent and ask God, you’ll find Him
Forgiving and Merciful to the sins of mortals.