لَيتَ شِعري ما عِندَكُم لَيتَ شِعري

لَيتَ شِعري ما عِندَكُم لَيتَ شِعري

فَلَقَد أُخِّرَ الجَوابُ لِأَمرِ

فَلَقَد أُخِّرَ الجَوابُ لِأَمرِ

Would that I knew what you have to say—would that I knew!

For indeed, the reply has been delayed for some reason.

ما جَوابٌ أَولى بِكُلِّ جَميلٍ

ما جَوابٌ أَولى بِكُلِّ جَميلٍ

مِن جَوابٍ يُرَدُّ مِن بَعدِ شَهرِ

مِن جَوابٍ يُرَدُّ مِن بَعدِ شَهرِ

No reply is more deserving of every kindness

than a reply returned after a month.