1. It was by chance, without intent
O Abubakr, to bind a pact of love

2. So when after some time
Our bond faded, you failed my loyalty and oath

3. O truthful friend, you were never opposed
To confirming my rival’s claim

4. You obliged me, with your noble traits
With affection, when close or away

5. Then you took half my heart with you
And thoughts of you remain with me

6. Each day I say, my Lord has spoken
And never have I spoken, said my servant

7. O my companion, when alone with my thoughts
And o confidant, when I am on my own

8. You know my state after you
So tell me, what was your state after me

9. Do you suffer longing like me?
Do you carry my passion, endure my love-pain?

10. Why did you sever my letters? Why did you break
the cords of loyalty, despite your word?

11. No letter did you start, no reply
Not even a rose petal in return

12. How could you be so cruel, so foolish?
Answer me, though you are now a soldier

13. I am more deserving, for lineage
And character, though I feign composure

14. Not my father’s cavalry, not my uncle’s son
Nor my grandfather’s virtues, they say

15. As was said, the wisdom of Qais
Below me, the might of Amr ibn Ma’di

16. Except since time let loose its calamities
I have not been foolish to my limit

17. Rather, I grew used to lowering my worth
For my friend, and not furrowing my brow

18. So if that was your intent, and you did not
Fear the thunderbolts of my storm

19. I will not repay you with insult and abuse
But your reward, o ill-fate, with me