1. Alas! Would that I knew, shall I see the abodes in El-Heema,
Though its environs are made desolate by absence?

2. Or is affection forgotten after separation, so it comes to naught?
And does estrangement only succeed in making forgetfulness?

3. Alas! I do not see my days renewing in the neighborhood of the house, or becoming
Like the fresh wounds inflicted by separation on the aged.

4. For it I found two watchers with me, one hidden, the other apparent,
As my constrained sigh of passion and my flowing tears.

5. For it in my ribs is an affection
Which will remain for it as long as life remains.

6. And for its sake I show humility and feign blindness,
Weeping copiously and spending the days of life weeping,

7. And honoring those who refuse highness that I may exalt them,
And shunning those who shared with me familiar friendship.

8. And I have a passion whose mention I fear
May show a manifest foe or a reproachful friend.

9. And I while away the days regarding what harms me
On the ashes ablaze and enliven the dark nights.

10. Therefore, do not accept, O gentle one, what
A slanderer may tell, nor give ear to a talebearer.

11. Nor incite my enemies against me, but ask
About me my son Nizar or my uncle or my maternal uncle.

12. For verily my spears ward off harm from me
And my tribe were never afraid of enemies.

13. We are a people who assume mildness as a habit
And are angry at times, so we bend strong bows.

14. Were it not for love, no eye would overlook a mote
In one whom he had wronged, and who had wronged him.

15. I see every love but yours ephemeral;
And every heart distracted, save mine, forgetful.

16. And he who has wronged you is wary of my wrath,
Though he is pleased by you, I become pleased.

17. When the backbiters inquire about my secret,
I praise Suluwwa or blame the nightly visitors.

18. And your love does not grow old, but grows
More intense for me, and my longing for you remains.

19. Does a heart in whose secret you are cease to be distracted by you?
It was never for a moment without remembering you, O best of maternal relatives!