1. Tell Abbas so he may know
For the youth of Aq, model of Egypt

2. Why does your letter inform me
Of wellbeing in belly and back?

3. And of Allah's excellent care—marvelous!
For you in all affairs and matters.

4. Did you intend to burden me with what
You told me, saddening my lifetime?

5. This while you remind me of each brother
Whose memory of the praising poet visits you

6. That you may gladden me, though your mention shames me
So mention your loves, and my God turn from my mention

7. And sever with a sharp sword the mention
Of letters' threads between us flowing

8. If you refuse, no continuation—
A letter from you suffices for my lifetime

9. When you venture or venture not therein
Write on a hair and from the sea

10. And gather your needs which presented
Themselves while writing to me in a line

11. It's just that I'm a man who does not take lightly
The friendship of Basri

12. The caravans of Kufa went their way
And I lost patience for its circumstances