1. He served me coffee smooth like silk
Its color like kohl black as ink

2. I mixed its scent with his own
They matched or even better shown

3. My excuse was in its bending
When it came and when it’s sending

4. And from a rose between his cheeks
When I inhaled, shyness it speaks

5. He refused to keep his promise made
Or give me that which I had bade

6. But when the scent began to spread
Relenting, he poured forth instead

7. I watched not for drunkenness
Better to hasten, not progress

8. To cut desire is wisest choice
If knot of longing stays tightly voiced

9. I reached what I had sought in full
Whether said or held as rule

10. God reward Abu Nuhe
With goodness, grace and charity

11. With him, bounty was complete
The Giver, Noble and Discreet

12. They came to me with graciousness
Like easy rain in gentleness

13. A brother true, unchanged by time
No different now, as in his prime

14. His noble ways still hold their place
His early teachings, still I trace