1. Will you leave if lovers depart at dawn,
Or were you cloaked in darkness before then?

2. How fares your abode in Mecca's belly, now that
Those you love scheme to abandon and flee?

3. They plot to leave you, no thought of return-
Worlds apart, nearness and distance to be!

4. What of your heart if you remain, lovesick,
Ill with grief while they gladly take their leave?

5. Once neighbors of your family, caring as kin-
A spring shower that used to come and weave

6. Through them-but shepherds now deny you rills,
As you watch for the water-bearers to thieve

7. A moment's neglect. Exile looms, the camels
Are loaded, your friends begin to take their leave.

8. I see it helps me not, what I have lived
Loving you, enjoying your friendship's reprieve.

9. The affection I gave was not returned-
No act of yours resembled my naïve

10. Gifts. I leave those who boast of generosity
While Fate controls all meetings, each eve.

11. O night, join me to them or keep us apart!
For love of them pierces my soul, I do grieve.

12. How often I ignored well-meaning advice
Shunned kin, aided hostile hands to weave

13. Ruin. Desire draws me to Teenova, though it
May destroy me, lacking a guide to relieve

14. My madness. With me only my sword and the strength
Of one hand, slender as the moon's curving glaive.

15. My resting place pricks my skin when I lie down,
Now that longing and exile my mind do cleave.

16. My camel hides snarling lions in her womb,
Who haunt the darkness with promises to thieve

17. My soul. With passion, tears and distant roads
I rave.