1. The night passed as the dawn hinted,
Buthaina still veiled.

2. The wings of the stars grew weary
Of winking at the salty horizon.

3. We pitched our tents, heartsick,
Prodding the camels to graze.

4. Yearning pulls me to roam the deserts—
I loosen the reins and let them go.

5. I catch a soft breeze from Najd
That toys with the meadows and hills.

6. Eyes that once watched for my glances
Now follow the falcon in flight.

7. Her image fades as night falls;
My fading gaze stumbles and fails.

8. I pine, and longing pines
In both our hearts. None else bewails.

9. If my camel could speak, it would voice
The torment of toil in this arid vale,

10. My heavy lids and fading vigil
As I peer for you from atop my spear.

11. I reproach the slow camel-train
And ask the winds for your tale.

12. Troubles beset me, and I find no relief
Except with more trouble and toil.

13. Take it easy, Time! Each new day
Brings struggle against Destiny’s veil.

14. My tears for the past have flooded the sands,
And the meadows yearn for my friend.

15. A lively face lures my spirit, though prizes
In this base era are splits of the lance;

16. So I spend my life on wishes and dreams
Which I pretend have ample range,

17. Settling here in Iraq, while my camels
Mingle among the thorn-trees and sands.

18. Why not ascend glory’s summit, founded
On bedrock of stone, level and grand?

19. When heights are contested, spear-tips seem gentle
To warriors like me, bred to the brand.

20. Shall I bow to this age when my people
Drink wine from goblets of glass?

21. The noble hand spares my blood though it could
Strike off heads with legitimate command.

22. The perfume that comes from the brows
Of high-bred Bani Uwaif is a balm.

23. Yet they soil love and honor, marring their gifts
Of bounty and hopes once bright.

24. I paid you a visit, Abu Zufar, to bring you
Praise that transcends the allegiance of clans.

25. When you heard it, your noble bearing seemed
Stirred by the zephyrs—so bless your calm!

26. You came to Iraq and brought cooling drinks
To slake the thirst of us worn in the fight.

27. With your wisdom, you sheathed the swords raised against you
Till the rams withdrew from the height.

28. You returned under the banner of glory
To defend what villains tried to blight.

29. So the rabble availed you naught but hope
That success may answer our prayers this night.