1. On the sand dunes there is a moonlit she-camel complaining,
And the robe of darkness is trailing loose and long.

2. She sang and then set out renewed in her passion,
My tears flowed on the ruins plentiful and strong.

3. I remembered some neighbors who demolished
Their abode at night without even a farewell.

4. So I rained my tears on their square lodging,
Till my copious showers made the foundations swell.

5. When an eye parts from friends it is intimate with,
Companions it knows well, how can it not cry?

6. To the camp I complained of those who severed us,
If only these silent walls could reply!

7. Yet my plaints to the abandoned camp were no use,
Its sketch and traces just made my grief rise.

8. How can I bear seeing it empty and derelict,
When its ardent inhabitants are no more nigh?

9. The winds have erased all remnants and tracks,
While passion's winds shake my frame and sigh.

10. All I have is a throbbing heart aching with parting,
And burning thirst doubling internal cries.

11. My eyelid refuses to close when lightning flashes,
Startled alert, sleep won't come however I try.

12. The lightning reminded me of my love's smile,
As it pierced through the gloam dazzling my eyes.

13. It made me drink the cup of my streaming tears,
Though drinkers sought to divert as it passed by.

14. How many nights I have wept since they went away,
My sobbing and wailing know no bounds or ties!

15. Were it not for my love of them, never would
The ostriches have shunned pillow and tent to fly.

16. Probing the gaps with their feathers a-bristle,
They charge through the breaks with might and size.

17. Yearning for their old home, they swoop down in haste,
Though grazing and lush meadows here tranquilize.

18. My passion still draws those wild birds to me,
Whenever I call them or show myself plain.

19. Without my love they'd have left in disgust,
Shunning my presence, avoiding all pain.

20. Among them no gentle companion complains,
Hankering for me, frustrated and shy.

21. No gleam in the grass tempts them to linger,
No opening in the shelter draws them nigh.

22. Such ardent longing seizes me for that sanctuary,
And yet when I rouse them they only defy!

23. If travelers mention the abode of my love,
They hush up at once and internalize.

24. So the shy creatures return to some rocky nook,
Timid of men, alert and wary of eye.

25. I roam the dark nights and challenge their horrors,
My purpose unyielding, my will made of iron.

26. My heart still aspires to Saada's abode,
Be it far or near or untimely to try!

27. She betrayed me, yet I was always true,
What misery and anguish her guile made me cry!

28. Betrayal comes naturally to the traitor,
True friends when preserved will certainly fly.

29. Is there any who'd intercede for me now,
Any hope of reunion however remote?

30. In my maturity, I seek mediation in vain,
Such pleas for mercy she certainly will not note!

31. Only white hairs remain to mar lover's eyes,
Of no benefit now, they just terrify!

32. When the bloom of youth is cursed by rejection,
It withers up quickly despite the heart's cry.

33. O God, bring our dear ones close again!
Though they shun me now, I know not why.

34. In their company is bliss, even if
No hope or expectation of union thereby.

35. With willing heart, their nearness I seek,
Their abode is haven however they vie.

36. Life without their homes has no meaning,
When our clan gathers, wounds purify.

37. Far from prying eyes, when a greeting
Flickers swiftly like stars in the sky.

38. We lament our passion in private,
Our tears flow abundantly thereby.

39. I share tales of times when we were together,
That enchant the heart and mesmerize.

40. Thus longing for that era grows,
Until sleep embraces me with its lullaby.