1. I am perplexed by a sea with no shore,
And a shore with no sea.

2. A forenoon with no darkness,
And a night with no dawn.

3. A planet with no place,
Known by the unlettered and the scholar.

4. A green dome erected
With destiny etched on it.

5. Pillars with no dome,
And no hidden place.

6. I proposed in secret to one unlike any other,
And was told, "Will thought drive you mad?"

7. I said, "I have no power, so be gentle,
In this universe, I have no patience."

8. For when thought is balanced
In my mind, embers ignite.

9. And everything becomes an inferno, so there is no
Intercessor to be seen, nor any covenant.

10. I was told, "What is not made fragrant by its flower,
Say gently, 'I am free.'"

11. I sought to marry al-Khansa' in her bridal tent,
Alone, not bound by dowry.

12. I gave her the dowry and married her
Throughout my night until dawn broke.

13. But I found no other but myself, so who
Did I marry? Let the matter be examined.

14. For the brilliant moon and the flowers
Are veiled in the light of the sun,

15. Like time, blamed yet the Prophet
Whom your Lord blessed, blamed time.