1. Are you standing in the ruins of an abandoned abode,
In a land swept by violent winds?

2. Past it the disheveled, tattered tents have journeyed,
Like scattered pages by the roadside.

3. The spirits' traces have been smoothed over by the soil,
As though the piercing squalls had poured on them their load.

4. I stood there with no one to question, no voice to answer,
If the ruins' sketch speaks not, I have no key to solve.

5. I am not one who frequents this land, oblivious,
Nor is the fold returned, the heart estranged.

6. I am not people who once hosted us here for supper,
Three companions, two concubines, and half a boy.

7. Bodies emaciated, slender at the waist,
With ample thighs no wrappers could conceal.

8. When they rose or tried to walk with swaying gait
Their trailing robes inclined them to one side.

9. Delicate beauties who have never known harsh life,
Not watchful gossips given to prying and pretense.

10. When the saliva drips or dew descends on them,
Musk spreads across their perfumes and silk clothes.

11. They say, when a star declines: "Would that it stayed
Where we just saw it in the evening glow!"

12. "How we enjoyed it through the night till dawn revealed it,
Till the day broke and put an end to our delight!"

13. When we prepared to part, tears unrestrained
Streamed down from the last remnants of incense burned.

14. Up the sandy hill they climbed, reluctant to leave,
Like sheep fording mud, driven on by the drover.

15. I followed them with my love-intoxicated eyes
As though some jinni had possessed me and dragged me along.

16. The wind effaced their tracks lest they be recognized—
Hems of striped gowns and fluttering sleeves.

17. It summoned me to soft smooth hips and a glance
That hinted of things that arouse and entice.

18. It tempted me with hair mussed in plaits as though
Clusters a vintner had plucked from the vine.

19. And a wanton nape that twisted away,
And the rosy cheek of a fawn, impudent and defiant.

20. So all I told you that day when we met
To guard your heart against the foes of our love,

21. And that loving you is a sickness of the heart
When the dove moans, crazed and confused.

22. And that seeing you heals the agony I feel,
And thoughts of you are joyful blows against my heart.

23. That being near you, if we come together, unites us,
And if one day we part, shows me who I really am.

24. That if you answer his letters he finds endless wonders,
And marvels aplenty in all that you write.

25. That if you reproach him once his heart is yours,
Till the winds of estrangement blow again.

26. Yes, all that I told you, when I remember it
Lacerates my heart, wounds and shreds it apart.

27. My charming Umm Kabsha, send him word through another:
"The departing caravans have brought me news of you.

28. Say to him: 'You claimed a love that was untrue.'"
She said to Asma: "Convey my greetings and say:

29. 'Is he not just a visitor in my land, though few friends remain?'
Just as if we could visit your land, we would,

30. Though few are the efforts we'd make to see you.'"
I said: "Say to her: 'We have little hope of help

31. In the dark night of what we're destined to undergo.
The doves moan to you, complaining of their agony.

32. Their cooing tells of all they suffer at every turn.
Witness, I moan too, and estrangement grows

33. Each time poison spreads through me in the heat of day.
The sand grouse left you after they had begun,

34. Those barren birds, devoid of any milk.'"
"And youths will come your way, their feelings tender,

35. Their affection ardent, their passion freshly stirred.
They will renew what had withered and died.

36. Whenever poison coursed through me on sultry days,
The ostrich chicks lamented, deprived of them

37. Though it was they who had suckled those fledglings at first.
Indeed, I vow that girls will draw near