1. The doves of longing stormed me,
So my tears flowed from the depths.

2. The pigeons cooed on the shrubs, arousing
The yearnings of the loving father's heart.

3. Did the collar chafe you, my son, the day they put it on,
That ring of pearls around your neck?

4. I greeted the passing clouds - greetings to them -
With the pouring rain's rushing flow.

5. I gave them my true affection though
They broke their pact of friendship when they left.

6. When they decided to part they exposed me
If only they hadn't exposed me by leaving!

7. Who will I find with a noble gaze,
Najdi in appearance and bearing Iraqi elegance,

8. Whose cheek is graced by his headscarf's knot
And a silent anklet adorns his leg?

9. When his cloak denies him I imagine
Him self-cloaked within by his cloak.

10. With his compelling glance he overcomes me -
O He who unties what the Almighty has tied!

11. The bright moon pales next to his companions -
No wonder, if amidst them my companions paled.

12. My clingy heart has severed him in yearning
Though he volunteered the bond of clinging.

13. She is the sanctuary's idol in her image -
Figuration through her is lovers' pilgrimage site.

14. He aims his glances at a fawn whose eyelash
Did the sword's work in slaughtering necks.

15. Swords sing in battle, but never would
The sword of glances sing.

16. God, his languid eyelids are more sickly
Than my sickness, and his lip's pallor my remedy.

17. I thirst for that sweet stream
Flowing amidst glistening pearls.

18. Oh, blessed was that eve I spent
Sipping and embracing on the hillside!