1. Not the backs of graceful gazelles,
Nor the cheeks' sweet rose branches and kisses,

2. Nor the keen wit of an eloquent poet
Donning his robe's train abashed,

3. Nor the sacredness of empty plots or
The white arms of a boy with soft skin,

4. Have I visited the Haram's knoll
Piously, riding a camel in procession,

5. Except atop a hermaphrodite donkey
Whose hinds sag heavily from the load.

6. Never did God make me one of the youths
Who were aroused by full breasts and pregnancy,

7. Branding them, among all people, on their brows
With the mark of those gone astray.

8. Who am I on Judgment Day when called are
The prophets and messengers?

9. That's a day that will lift my concerns,
For one such as I has no deeds.

10. I have sinned against the Exalted Creator, so
He will not examine my story or missteps.