1. Many have described the world, but they did not get it right.
In my view, the correct description is as follows:

2. She is beautiful, but her youth is not rewarding.
She is ugly, but one cannot resist her charm.

3. Her ugliness is overlooked, while her beauty is criticized.
To the eyes she is an old hag, but to the heart she is playful.

4. To the gaze she is hideous, but to the young she is glamorous.
Her sweetness in the mouth is mixed with bitterness when shared.

5. She made me drink the wine, so I was fooled by the drink.
I ardently sought union with her, but she scorned my passion.

6. I turned away from the world - I do not blame the world.
It is as if love is a sin, and sincerity a fault.

7. It is as if old age is my punishment for my sins.
My life today in Baghdad is not pleasant.

8. She almost deafened me with her clamor.
Old age, then vengeance and difficult enemies.

9. I sought water but found only a mirage.
The water is gone, and my heart burns for it.

10. My youth has departed - Oh, if only youth would return!
When a man's youth departs, the world falls into ruin.

11. Wait, for it is a life that ends, then collapses.
All who walk upon the earth are but dust.

12. It makes smooth what was uneven ground.
Only the sheep and wolves of the world are praised in war.

13. Would that truth sharpened its defenses against falsehood!
For the peel is bitter, and the core is sweet.

14. Nothing in the world defeats blood and fire.