1. In the West where both genders work
Woman is not preferred over courageous man

2. Both mates are proud of each other
If weakness afflicts him, he depends on her

3. And each gender is imperfect alone
While with both genders life is complete

4. A clean house and flourishing children
Like flowers blossoming in a meadow

5. And the house is orderly when you see it
It is a system without flaw

6. Love remains between them until death
There is no rancor or boredom

7. The goal of the couple is one
Though the causes and paths are many

8. He may divorce her or she may divorce him
If hatred and boredom decree divorce

9. But Iraq is different in this regard
Half the nation is afflicted by paralysis

10. He who marries without prior experience
His wedding in his house is marked by anxiety

11. He suffers an incurable affliction
Until he dies with unhealed wounds

12. He may divorce her drunk
Unaware why the drunk divorced

13. After harmony at home there is calm
After conflict at home there is heated debate

14. Honor your girl and court with
Innocent socialization, and blame not the confused critic

15. Many a sixty year old married a young woman
While the white hair on his head blazed like fire

16. He spends his vigor on her to his last breath
And that breath may be short

17. He cares not for the bond of affection afterward
Whether connected or not

18. She married unaware of her misfortune
Did one of the young rascals or a man marry her?

19. He insults her not for a sin then kicks her
Degradingly with his foot while she bears it

20. Then he dashes like an ostrich to
His friends and boasts of what he did

21. He tells them how he made her cry and hurt her
As if he was a hero in battle

22. Not even four would satisfy his gluttony
While a wolf sates his hunger with a lamb

23. Do not assume all who walk upright are guided
Or all the crooked will straighten

24. The people when facing enemies are cowards
The people when facing wives are tamed

25. Eyes raise pleadingly to the sky
What do those pleading eyes see in the sky?

26. I wish with all my heart without pretense
If only time in its course would go backwards

27. So ask God to decree a change from what
He previously ordained, for no injustice or fault is in it

28. They came ugly and insulted those who opposed them
Oh what awful things they said and did!

29. Those insults wounding honor
Hurt the soul more than blades

30. East and West the ages between them
Struggled in conflict beyond tricks

31. If only friendship would replace that conflict
Between the two brothers over survival and war

32. The difference between them in every way
Is clear if you look closely

33. No parity in what came between them
One succeeds while the other totally fails

34. One relies upon himself seeking
While the other on fate depends

35. One has activity that advances him
While the other lags behind in laziness

36. Life remains beautiful if you have hope
As long as the soul has aspirations

37. Had I gained some glory in my country
I would not have left my beloved homeland

38. What discourages my resolve in Baghdad
When I have no camel or mule there?

39. The reality of my Layla in my imagination and dreams
Is my consolation, my hope

40. There is no hypocrisy in my love for Layla
Does she not command me and I obey?