1. By my mind since youth was bent on blame
Of dark and bright complexions all the same

2. So in my eyes are blind to all that’s right
And in my ears are deaf to good advice

3. My brow has judged all passionate souls
To suns obscured in deepest night’s control

4. So my sick gazes only sickened more
When tempted by disease they held in store

5. My friend reproves my madness and the blood
That mingled with my tears in passion’s flood

6. Yet who’d reproach the mind that reminisces?
Or noble pacts - are they not sacrosanct?

7. I rest when wild gazelles at dusk repair
To slopes whose breezes waft the scent of myrrh

8. I scent the morn, friend to the morn I hail
And to the peacemaker my greetings sail

9. Once from a flash of lightning in the rain
I startled, called, then staggered once again

10. Bygone days whose rule was blessed
Have now departed, destiny’s behest

11. They reveled in the bloom of youth yet fleet
Before affection touched, withdrew in defeat

12. While slumber sealed the eyes of wantonness
Our eyes stayed wakeful in our happiness

13. And boughs of passion bent on us their fruit
Plucked ripened wishes that we might impute

14. Our days that chill ardor passing strange
Like gossamer, clear wine that sears and clouds the brain

15. As if Abu Bakr paid us every favor
And lavished us with his esteemed behavior

16. He decked his time with flowers plucked in season
And virtuous fruits, ripe wisdom’s pleasing reason

17. The lofty chamberlain for kings of repute
Pillar for every noble institute

18. A ruler who surpasses all command
However they apportion shares by hand

19. With hands most generous in their aid
And steps most steadfast undismayed

20. Of glittering counsel, aid that never fails
His neighbor thrives, no envy him assails

21. Mild yet of resolute severity
And purposeful in each necessity

22. He gave the towering summit cause to soar
And rolled ambitions’ robes unto its floor

23. His efforts reaped the harvest of the stars
His gifts rained down, so mercy floods no mars

24. When nights of blindness come in swathes of black
The full moon floats out gently from his back

25. He drew the swords at hot zeal’s urgent thee
And quenched the spears in breasts of enmity

26. A courser none could ever hope to mate
Safest sanctuary, pillar firm and straight

27. With him the conflict and the question rise
He shakes the earth, a lion and likewise

28. We witnessed his authority to lead
And he was honored to guide and intercede

29. What prize escapes his sword-hilt or his pen
That circle seeking all prize to gain?

30. His noble actions pardon villainy
And he forgives transgressions gracefully

31. His virtues all disdain and discard
Though singers mourn songs no longer heard

32. His meadows lend the soul serenity
His musk breathes gentlest fragrances

33. A father whose protection faltered never
Despite misguidance, all mankind to deliver

34. The faith sought refuge, sheltered by his name
Most faithful in respect of his acclaim

35. And fought for God as holy war demands
Against all those who worshipped idols’ stands

36. So none looks down but soon casts down his glance
And none speaks proudly but is soon askance

37. Though honored, from asses he claimed descent
Yet vanquished nations, their prides all spent

38. They propped the throne until it stood apart
And shaded realms until shadows filled their heart

39. Stars giving guidance, celestial towers
Lions, wild wolves and beasts with rending powers

40. Abu Bakr, salutations on this age
Still immaculate from all its outrage

41. I call to you, our pact still binds
As hands bind meadows with twisted strands

42. If longing steers me far from you
I lose, my soul is steeped in rue

43. I hold you purely, love’s untainted draught
And from your absence, secret pain have quaffed

44. Others proved false when put to test
If well I thought, they broke the best

45. When interceding through your grace
You reassured me of success’ embrace

46. You came down gently on each stumbling match
And pardoned freely each unthinking catch

47. I have for thanks odes and songs for you
As pearls adorn a necklace, each shining true

48. You don the raiment of renewed youth
When on time’s shoulders settle aged truth

49. So live preserved in sucour’s guard
Still gently moving through joys’ regard

50. Let time’s days henceforth for you
Be veils and nights be slaves to do