1. No joy in the beloved’s mention, or dwelling,
With vines cut down, a house in eastern Irbil.

2. Pale as a lamp in a drinker’s hand,
Delicate the cheeks, sweet the kiss.

3. He circulates like a sorcerer of eyelids
When he glances with his eyes, he kills.

4. Regretters recover at the brim of his cup—
A zephyr brought the scent of cloves.

5. My God spare you from a stance where they say
“Do not perish in misery! Endure!”

6. While the contrite remain with the cup
Passing in revelry of the cheery.

7. Life is but between a love and a tavern
With ease—not between toil and strife!

8. Excuse me, if you see willful drunkenness in me,
Blame my abandoning blame, do justice!

9. Else leave me to libertinage and youth—
I am of dignified stock, apart.

10. When I have not kissed a cup of wine,
Then revels have no place for me.

11. God tend the nights of cherished union
With nights of the whitest, most beautiful dawns!

12. When the air disrobes for raiment,
Hidden from the gazer’s eye.