1. Do memories awaken, kindling passions anew,
As our sorrows multiply, seeking remedy?

2. My companions rode between al-‘Udhayb and lightning,
Yearnings in those valleys awakening passions.

3. From Wadi al-Arak they surveyed dwellings,
Then folded up their tents in al-Arak like reptiles.

4. For them intense longing is like a sharp blade; if it bends
Keenness returns the yearning ever more intense.

5. By my father! Those riders when they sped away
Valleys filled with their love made the wilderness teem.

6. You see them as camel riders, though when they sped off
They were shades upon those shades ever fickle.

7. For them the most felicitous wish at Mina, and at Al-Safa
They hope from the noble folk right direction.

8. An eager pilgrim circuits the House, so I saw
Them as domes of enlightenment and steps of ascent.

9. Then from the rocky trails they brought out what was hidden
And shed copious tears, nay overflowing hearts.

10. As they drew near they were welcomed, and approached
The Corner from all sides, thronging its precincts.

11. Fulfilling their duty by kissing and touching the wall,
Rites that for souls fulfill their greatest needs.

12. As they embraced those places, their wrists were encircled
By its sincere faith like bangles and bracelets.

13. By God, a band made for Mecca!
They were graced by their purpose and hallowed their pilgrimage.

14. They camped in hope’s dominion and held wedding feasts,
And each rivaled the other passing the wine-cup.

15. Good tidings to them! How much honor they gained,
Matching what they offered up before and its yield.

16. A door of acceptance and pleasure He opens,
And their delegation now stands at that door.

17. The vanguard gained distinction, but others—
Among mankind they wandered confused, distraught.

18. Does one who rudely violates homes overtake
Those graced on the steps of ascent?

19. Would that I knew! Is dire need my lot,
That I see God and the Hidden House beyond reach?

20. May God relieve him whose plight leaves no
Prospect for a traveller, other than God as recourse.

21. The paths have all but excluded him,
No road where the seeker can find a guide.

22. He plunges into seas of sin unafraid,
Though terror seizes him if he but sees the surging deeps.

23. Cowardly when shunning right guidance, but bold
If passion beckons—the reckless fool barrels ahead.

24. Lost in misguidance when left to himself,
No rock leads him aright, neither pilgrim’s way.

25. Alas! Dawn shone for the keen-sighted,
While my heart discerns only night’s darkness as it recedes.

26. My hope is my intercessor will act
To cure sin’s malady, bringing sure remedy.

27. God’s House will burst open to me in welcome,
The Prophet’s tomb will waft its perfume to me.

28. For my hopes I have naught but love of Ahmed,
My heart drew near him, throbbed and heaved.

29. Peace of God on him—ardent, true,
Who, though distant, was my intimate friend.

30. Had his eyelids been just, weeping in kind
They would have shed blood, keeping pace with my tears.