1. We were blessed by the union with a beloved helper,
Though waiting for the trysts had disturbed the soul.

2. We spent the night as passion wished, against
The spite of a foe and envier.

3. The wing of darkness enveloped us, as though
Whispers of secrets a grudging heart concealed.

4. We banter the reproaches of blame gently,
And with the pact of tears we water the memories of covenants.

5. We mix the cup of ease sipped between us
With a decoction of the spittle, chilled.

6. We kiss what is between the necks and the plaits
Though adorned with trinkets and necklaces.

7. You quaff the bubbly wine of virgin’s lips,
What a drink for the arrival of the vintner!

8. You enjoy the union with the beloved in a paradise
Which is eternity - but the youth is not eternal.

9. When sleep and the cup weighed down his eyelids
And he surrendered to the sultanate of vine by pillows,

10. I showered the fires of my heart by his nearness
And cradled him between my throat and arm.

11. And I thought of parting
Kindling thereby the spark of never-dying sorrow.

12. So a throbbing, restless heart awoke him,
Flowing with a melting, solid moon.

13. He jerked awake, as the doe jerks awake
When the snare of the hunter binds it.

14. He began to complain of the weakness I complain of
And seek from his passions every witness.

15. He swore he'd not break the covenants
I’d made with him, as binding as can be.

16. He said: “Union with me is easy, for to the beloved
Enduring ordeals is but slight.”

17. Till the caller to morn called and the vanguard
Of a dawn destructive of the dark arrived.

18. I embraced the branch in the thickets of purity
And kissed the full moon among the sleepers.

19. I bade him farewell, reluctantly, a necessary farewell,
As the rule of fate treats not one alone.

20. He rose as the morning breeze rises gently,
Leaning on a pillow of Anbar scent.

21. He turned his gaze to me, consigning me
Among dear ones, excellent in pledges.

22. As for my composure, it was the first to depart,
As for my longing, it was the first to stay.

23. O heart, be patient - time has a return,
Maybe the days of union will come again.