1. For whom do the eyes hide and yet appear
Beneath the veil of darkness, yearning there?

2. Their glances faded from sorrow and grief
Until their movement became stillness and calm.

3. And for whom did the home become desolate,
When it was strongest, though empty and bare?

4. I lingered there, consumed with longing and pain,
As if imprisoned by my bewilderment.

5. It seems that weeping is an obligation,
Or tears are debts owed for separation.

6. O people journeying, speak to me, perhaps
My heart may find comfort; tales ease the soul's lament.

7. Tell me of resilience and of familiarity
How they endure sorrows and remain content.

8. Would that I knew if the lover recalls
With longing, while the ailing moan in lament.

9. Do you remember one who spent his youth loving you
Infatuated with the mention of your name?

10. Or do you see our days in Ne'man still guarded
And the noble secret of love secure and maintained?

11. O you who watered that companionship and covenant
Fulfilled by clouds pouring down in torrents.

12. I have but sighs and tears for what I now suffer
When you are recalled, and my torment grows plain.

13. Love is but misery and trouble,
And when it persists, it is madness and pain.

14. If it brings estrangement and rejection,
Or separation that lingers, then it is mortal and vain.

15. Can I hope to escape the claws of affliction,
When passion is shackled to devastation and chained?

16. Restless dwelling, obstinate longing,
Raging love, and patience aflame.

17. Continual illness, latent disease,
A mind in turmoil, a sad, grieving heart.

18. Suffering appears, while my heart is hardened against heat,
Yet stingy towards the generous and disdained.

19. Do not blame me for avoiding people,
My excuse for this is clear and explained.

20. My Lord created me disgusted with their essence,
When the mask slips from their fake display.

21. Familiarity has not made me docile, though I yield
To the critic’s remarks, softly restrained.

22. Do not name me among those hoping to gain favor
By selling their dignity; all else seems simple and plain.

23. Proud souls suffice themselves with sustenance
When they are betrayed by fickle time’s waning.

24. Wealth lies in despairing of the world’s support,
While poverty dwells in hopeful anticipation and strained.

25. If I sell the water of your face for eternity,
Then I am the one cheated and pained.