1. How did you roam while not roaming,
And dreams draw near though not near,

2. Do not prevent wakefulness, it may grant in sleep,
Other than one lying in wait, unforeseen.

3. The wish was to meet her, so I met her,
And became heedless with the heedlessness of a liar.

4. So I saw the likeness of the sun at its rising,
In beauty, or nearing its setting.

5. Yellowish, whose youth was hastened by her essence,
Adorned with beauty, not stern.

6. She walked on two cool garments, nourished
By the downpour of a bewildered wasteland.

7. She strutted away from the rough pebbles, as though
It were a cold roasted by the sun on a hot windy day.

8. Like the chameleon, or like a sea cloud
In a passing rain-laden south wind.

9. O Duhayy's sons, and praise belongs to you,
How can pride belong to the defeated?

10. As if they were in war when loot overcame them,
Spoils ripped apart by the plundering of drinking.

11. Indeed space is ours, so walk not through it
Ever haughtily, nor with sins.

12. And check on ninety of your treetops
Resembling palm trees felled by the south wind.

13. And ask the truthful priest and Malik
Who can protect and save you.