1. When she saw me with grey hair, having tucked up my skirt,
Though she had known me with black hair hanging loosely,

2. Prostrate with passion that does not cease to lead me,
To folly, so I did not swerve from folly and change course,

3. I obeyed those with dreams, opinions and prohibitions,
Though I was once blamed and humiliated,

4. With the reins to pleasures I dragged along my mount,
As you would drag along the trained, bridled horse,

5. When led by the groom they have no control over it
And those who would chide it are confounded into silence

6. With the memory of the cheek of every fair maiden I imagine
When she glances, a houri, at the bed, spinning,

7. With copious, flowing tears, broken in gait,
Swaying, not walking straight when she steps along,

8. Like threads in motley cloth as the wind stirs it
In the water to and fro, greenish blue,

9. With bags full to bursting, pressing on her sides,
She sways upon her hips with heavily jeweled ankles

10. At the central bonfire she shrieked and ululated,
And whoever ululates in pilgrimage with people, ululates,

11. And she said to another woman next to her, “do you recognize him?”
She said “Yes, he hasn’t changed,”

12. Except the sun has changed his complexion
And he has left behind the comrades of his youth and scattered them

13. And some grey hairs appeared where his hair parts
When the green youth slipped away like clouds that disperse

14. When the wind blows, and the sky clears,
But when she wanted to discern who I was

15. And learn what she said to her and contemplated,
She uncovered her veiled, flushed face,

16. And brought her cool cheeks closer, snow-white,
And lightning flashed in her frowning dark eyes

17. When it sparked within them, glittering,
Calling not for vengeance or retribution,

18. But to slay the innocent, unwary one,
And casts with her eyes at hearts, when she reveals

19. A streak that has not aimed at them with murderous intent,
Then she said, gesturing towards me, “now I recognize him—

20. May my white-faced mother be bereaved if I lie!”