1. One of the daughters of Bakr son of Manat’s Abd
Between lone dune and desolate valley lost her way.

2. She let her wrap fall down, while you in your seduction
Are the dream of the ardent and the joy of the wanton boy.

3. Her buttocks and breasts enticingly rub together
As she sways in the rhythm of love and desire’s ploy.

4. To us, fevered, she came on an autumn day,
Like a flock of antelope, with dew-moist lips of joy.

5. Her beauty wanders o’er features of whitest ivory
Where grace and salt are in equal measures coy.

6. The like of her in one place were ne’er espied
Save for Heaven’s writ, and the angry prophet’s cry.

7. But one who’d chide me thus I reprimanded sharp
And from misleading sophist saved him by my ploy,

8. Saying: Awaken, listen, though to censure deaf I be!
Blind am I to “Nay” and just as deaf to “Aye”.

9. Let me revel in recalling that youth in song
For foolishness with her as theme is utmost joy.

10. When the days of escorting youth shall end, I’ll show
True devotion in repentance, humbly bend the knee.

11. Returning to worship her, no more wavering,
In fear or doubt, but in certitude and poise,

12. Humbling myself before the gentlest praise, for one
Free of all rigor, smooth of temper, mild of joy,

13. Strange wonders weaving into song for Abu Ghuraib,
Without affect or any artifice’s ploy,

14. Whoe’er, though young, dies of time’s spite, shall yet
Through Yahya ibn Abdallah live on in proud array.

15. A sword it is, no rust or tarnish marring it,
Nor wrathful look upon its brow to joy betray.

16. The cup-bearer to whom the vine’s first juices flow,
Of gentle disposition and swift to obey,

17. Is tempered yet by battle-fire and hot for war
For it is valiant souls who fighting’s sphere enjoy.

18. His glory night and morn rests on unyielding rock
Which the harsh file of critic vile cannot destroy.

19. Say to the envious and spiteful of exalted rank:
“Your sniffed disdain but makes our laughing joy more coy!”

20. Envy has overwhelmed you, in eyes, sneers, lips,
He’s the true friend’s cool shade, the false friend’s dart.

21. A leader made great by virtue, whom all acclaimed,
Willingly, without force or coercion’s ploy,

22. Sweet is his name upon my lips, leaving as when
Pure water quenches thirst the taste of limpid joy.

23. If he were a plant, then only finest basil
Would be worthy comparison for lips to enjoy.

24. Such gladness he brought, and sorrow dispelled
For those hopeful, aspiring, seeking its employ.

25. We sniffed his redolent breath, and it burst for us
Into gifts not borne from clouds’ or rain’s convoy.

26. When from it I sought only the sweet, then my heart
Brimmed over with all I prized, my spirit’s buoy.

27. If all things created were not finite, we would
Drink forever your plenty, no limit our employ.

28. Still you rain clouds without cease, vying with the downpour,
As though against the very clouds you did enjoy.

29. Though promises were made me, I tossed them aside,
Your promise ever draws me, and holds my employ.

30. An Uwaysi arrow is safe in your custody,
Knowing you forget nor stray from a faithful employ.

31. Grant him bounty entire from your hand, be for him
A pillar no treachery can shake or winds destroy.

32. With care entrusted and care exalted bestowed,
Both famed and of renown through your godly employ.

33. You are my scion though of wealth possessed,
And I your scion though of station high enjoy.

34. How could you turn away when you are God’s own scion!