1. Not about flocks of gazelles grazing
Across the dusty sands

2. Except their glances remained vigilant
With hearts diverging in different directions

3. Swords of a moment desired for death
In kohl-lined eyes enchanted

4. A clearly erect wand atop a fruitful dune
In an aura filled with hair

5. Oh a night of connection went by
Faced between its full moon and my own

6. And I stood between reconciling
Rolling my eyes and turning my thoughts

7. Yet the full moon did not glance with languor
Nor did I see myself like that mouth

8. Nor did it unveil its veil from a tender cheek
And a slender waist wrapped in mirage

9. Nor did it let me drink from its mouth’s wine
Quenching the embers’ flames

10. Watered on a night we spent together
Dragging my tail in joy and rapture

11. We pass cups of reproach between us
Quenched but no cups of wine

12. And it saved me from coveted conversation
Rare tales like a bouquet of flowers

13. It was as we wished, cypress and description
If dawn had not spoiled it

14. Those healing nights were my assets
Which I prepared from my life

15. And the blame that provoked its blame’s passion
So it seduced while unaware

16. I refused, O blamer, what it ignores
If it tasted, it would extend my excuse

17. Every torment the youth is tested with
He can endure, but not the torment of estrangement

18. What business do I have with days unraveling my tracks
As though seeking me with a chord

19. Once it turns its slaughterhouses upon me
Another seizes me by betrayal

20. One who understands the lowliness of living in humiliation
Will appreciate the worth of the freeman

21. And sacrificing one’s dignity became imperative in wealth
So I protected my dignity and consented to my poverty

22. Poverty without gaining dignity by disgrace
And death rather than a life dragged through mud

23. I was not fooled by the illusion of garments
I perceive in the people of this time

24. I know them, but it is a knowledge
Most resembling strangeness to them

25. I missed faces I found
Empty of life and humanity

26. Their souls have been content
With the dress of arrogance they bear

27. I turned away haughtily from their company
Protecting my poetry from praising them

28. It suffices me, Abu Al-Qasim, my Master, it suffices
The core that makes the peel dispensable

29. I gained in the darkness of their blame
The light of his praise like dawn

30. So his praise’s beauty increased, as
Goodness increases after evil

31. And it rose distinctly in eulogy
As though I clothed my eulogy in my own ink

32. I praised him admitting his merit
What can my praise and thanks possibly be?

33. How many white favors he garlanded me with
My prose and poetry are lost before them

34. If the sons of Ma'ybid call upon you
Respond to the greatest of matters

35. Do not hesitate if they ask a request
Or seek ample justification

36. He extends his palm to those who ask
Blessing each with abundant bestowal

37. The contented granting from his court
Brings glad tidings to the coveting visitor

38. If his open hand were to bloom
It would moisten the erect spearheads

39. Most often he is not delighted if he attains
Nor dismayed if some harm befalls

40. O you, if I planted hope around you
It would fruit before the season of fruit

41. I do not consider anyone but you man
In bringing benefit or warding harm

42. The destinies constantly in their decrees
Are resolved to what you desire they flow