1. I am not of those who forget their sorrows,
Nor of those who forget their vows,

2. After I surrendered my eyelids to anguish -
We pledged our eyes to enduring its tears and wakefulness.

3. I am of those who pledged grief
That the eyelids would shed red tears.

4. The fire blazing in my ribs
Is stoked by the flames of sorrow from past vows.

5. The palm withers of one who shakes it off -
Of covenants whose bonds had been tightened.

6. I am not one to break the pact of sorrow -
With the mouth of one violating pacts, O Saad of the open country!

7. Do not blame my eye if it weeps profusely -
For great was the flowing of tears from ardent passion.

8. The duration of life is hardship, after which -
How can I spend it, and where, I wonder?

9. If not for a purpose I strive toward -
The earth would have buried me after the copious flowing tears.