1. Indeed I yearn for her and yearn to meet her
As the thirsty wanderer yearns for chilled water

2. So I said, oh if only Asma were still young!
But does saying “if only” restore what is lost?

3. It was as if she had lent it to one unworthy
The day her neck was unveiled and bejeweled

4. A bond of love forged in the days of youth
Now worn, yet ever made new in renewal

5. Mirages and landmarks as if their images
When the heat haze danced on the sandy horizon

6. I looked with hope to the esteemed one, to see
Envoys arriving, their leader one honored

7. So I came, a young branch springing from the earth
When the rhythm aids one of purpose true

8. Noblest of Quraysh, when his lineage told
To whom kingship was granted, sage and gnarled

9. The gift you gave me the day we met
Of wealth has eased whatever was difficult

10. No gift of yours was hampered by thrift
Though it surpassed gifts of gifts manifold

11. And the blessings you granted me
As the envious were turned back thwarted

12. Nor for your kindness, choosing me apart
Ungrateful was I, or shrinking from effort renewed

13. So when you relieved my grief and sorrow
With love I embraced you, deliberate, resolved

14. By my life, a day of great fortune it was
When Abu Khalid in the throng I saw leading the best

15. And I said, when asked what you granted me
To redouble spite in those who wish me ill

16. The gifts of Yazid, all I gained
Be they white wealth, counted and heaped