1. The beauty drew me to her like a moth to flame,
I stumbled after her, drunk with passion's claim.

2. She lured me to gardens of tender green,
Yet I could not dare to trespass that serene.

3. With a glance that held such warmth she looked my way,
And peace filled my heart as she made my day.

4. In her hands life seemed a fragrant rose bunch,
Joy and wine filled our fellowship to the brim.

5. I reached high just to breathe her sweet scent,
Had she cared, my height she’d supplement.

6. My love, the meaning I’ve known for so long
And for poetry, how I’ve urged it along!

7. I’ve lived in it, with it, honest and kind,
No blemish to taint, no blame I can find.

8. I sing it, enchant my heart since my youth,
Ever since I was a lad, and you sleuth.

9. So pardon me, please, if you can, my dear,
I am Qais, crazed with love and its snare.

10. Let me be, as I build by sweet company
An evening’s nest, and sing of love’s glee.

11. O Sham’s girl, beautiful, be kind I implore,
Don’t think I complained of Sham anymore.

12. My heart whispers its ache, but to you I profess,
I savor the blame, find in it joy no less.

13. Take me to Amman’s edge, let me live anew,
Greet the morning by its fountains with you.

14. Take me away, so my heart can dream and muse,
On the bank, watching stars that confusion infuse.

15. To the lawful divine, this life I resign,
For His reign I determine my breath, my time.

16. My secret – I wander, no aim but His light,
For His glory, my banner, my cure, my might.

17. The world kindly loved me, caressed with its charm,
Invited me into its shelter, to calm.

18. But I spurned its comfort, withdrawn and apart,
Preoccupied only with holy at heart.

19. Peace to its plains when horses pulled at the reins,
And peace to its brigades, whether in war’s pains,

20. Or resting in peace – this peace I maintain,
To the Chosen of God, pure faith I proclaim.