1. I fell for him like a full moon appears
Illuminating with light, yet keeping distance

2. Drawing near when affection stirs
Withdrawing when aloofness visits

3. In times devoid of estrangement - closeness
Yet no sincerity nor promise kept

4. He dangles like a pendant, no passion
Quells the heat of a smitten heart

5. If passion dictates there’s no other way
My will responds “No, there is another way”

6. For me his playfulness amidst others is serious
While his seriousness with me is but play

7. I’m neither relaxed hoping for him
Nor is he ambitious persevering for me

8. I unleashed my blame on the turns of fate
But does blame redirect fate’s turns?

9. So I attempted nothing with him
Except to be faced with a fierce opponent

10. Oh my time! People of such discord
Do I hope for reconciliation or did you intend this?

11. Indeed I underestimated my share
And increased what was too much for him

12. I had no ill intentions toward him
Nor was this crime from you deliberate

13. One like you cannot be unaware that I
Am Ahmad son of Ismael, a servant

14. Of a king unmatched by any predecessor
None to equal him after either

15. His company makes mighty men meek
And dazzles those of intellect and critique

16. They swear convincingly to never
See Ahmad’s equal on this earth

17. Seizing opportunities - though his life
Was but opportunities and blessings

18. We cannot enumerate the many
Conquests - so go ahead and count!

19. When a hand shakes the saddle cloth
The mounts of Nejd tremble in its place

20. They prefer a gazelle or brown snake
While the other sews what the first unravels

21. So many wavering lances and thin legs
So many falling palms and braids

22. There life was cheapened and death
Made precious to those who loved it

23.
Two armies of sword and wealth

24. Both equipped for all his needs
One a lyricist when peace is declared

25. Another warrior when battle stirred
A tribe went astray without its guide

26. Losing the wisdom and plan of its chief

27. Seeking his sword though death lingered
Forsaking safety though life prospered

28. Ja’far well-fed was jaded
His name never uttered but in lies

29.
I opened seas of kindness toward him

30. With bounty and grace that knew no end
He left freely granted blessings

31. From pure children he denied

32. Arms with pacts around their necks
Commitments he cannot unbind

33. If you thank - it is adornment and pact
If you disbelieve - it is shackles and chains

34. The best people uphold commitments
While no covenant with a wicked lad lasts

35. When an elder’s gifts breed ungratefulness
He pays the lad no heed

36. And rids a land, settled in it
Hoping what comes next fares better

37. Overlook shortcomings - be forgiving
No servant remains flawless

38. Purer than one who befriends me, is one who befriends him
More deserving of forgiveness, one who overlooks him