1. The mirror of Umm Malik has done her wrong
With what the mirror faced, it was stripped bare

2. It showed her cheeks to be tender branches, as if
They were the flowing branches of tamarisk, undefended

3. It saw an eyebrow seeking to outdo others'
And a branch that insisted on sagging, so it distanced

4. And bad projecting teeth, as if they
Were tent pegs of folks dispersed and separated

5. So I swear, had successive sorrows not
Afflicted me, and I did not remain in constant debt

6. I would have contended with her weariness, as if her clothes
Were hunting a gazelle with a noose, lying in wait

7. When you start early for al-Mani'a, you start
Provisions for it of saffron and perfumed leather