1. With a face like the crescent moon in the sky
Yet she is dressed in fine silk

2. An Iraqi whose body has known no emaciation
Nor felt the pangs of hunger

3. An emerald beautiful to behold
And camphor cool to the touch

4. On her head, a fresh flower
Like a star in the dark night when it blinks

5. Born of a sweet branch
The most precious shoot of an orchard

6. With sisters as slender as boughs
When they display their verdant gowns

7. Veiled from the rays of the sun
Behind a cloak like a gentle breeze

8. She arches as she comes to life
Never have I seen one so young yet arched

9. Tongues fumble to compliment her
And fall mute criticizing her