1. On the ruins of these abodes, bereft,
Remnants of peace from battered ribs are left.

2. Time has worn us down until we're all
Captives of decay, even tears' affairs.

3. For veiled ladies we've become a refuge
While our lids with their tears are in tatters.

4. Doves moan as we weep, we mourn their moans,
Crying for the cries of grieving groans.

5. A day cloaked in darkness ripped by
Flashes for us like brilliant streaks in the sky.

6. The dark gloom was unveiled by naught
But a flare from Alexandria arising distraught.

7. A book we called a flare for it
Rose in light for Ibn Nawwar apparent and alert.

8. From afar it came to me, deposited treasures,
Yearning was among the deposits.

9. The most adoring of lovers in passion's creed
Is he who loves from afar in vast distance.

10. Best of nobles is he who rewards a good deed.
Nobler yet is he who initiates the deed.

11. I've received from Mahmoud the greatest boon,
Helpless to thank him, praise him as is his due.

12. He leafed through the print then praised its font
Composed a flood of joy to presses sent.

13. From afar he gifted me with an epistle
That I took in heart not with my fingertips.

14. I refused to divert my eyes oozing with it
As some barriers hinder funds' trickle.

15. It came to comfort me amidst two
While I've no more than a cot from small nooks.

16. Feeble am I against the strength of a crowd,
Frailty upon frailty back to frail bowed.

17. He was so kind to praise me as I merit,
Beautiful praise of verses all-inclusive.

18. For him two favors - praising me for one
And for being, in pleasure, ever so concise.

19. Oh remote dwelling, your heart has come near
To us, filling the eye, ear-bursting sincere.

20. If hearts cannot draw close with no bends,
Then homes' proximity no benefit lends.