1. News of one who roams the outskirts,
I fly to him with outspread wings

2. To ask him and gentle him, hoping
He will heal what ails my faith.

3. And dispel what obscures my night of ignorance
With the light of guidance, like the dawn’s first gleam.

4. I spit in the face of Umm Dafr—
I abandon and repel her with my wind.

5. I wake from her slumber and set forth
With chastity, far from her brackishness.

6. I turn my purpose absolutely from her
To the abode of bliss and success.

7. Shall I lie down to sleep in my sixties
While death’s guide wakes me to depart?

8. Time has unfurled the banner of my white hair
To wrap me up and steal my robe.

9. The dove sent an arrow down toward me—
It will kill me though my weapons falter.

10. My companions will bear me to the tombs,
To narrowness there, or spaciousness.

11. I will be rewarded with good if I put forth good,
And ill if I reap the fruits of my misdeeds.

12. And here I am, knowing this full well,
Yet slow to walk the paths of righteousness.

13. My situation in the arena of sins
Is distant, beyond all racing winds.

14. If I but looked with reason’s eye
I'd end my life with wailing dirges.

15. I'd not drag my train through dissipations
Or rave to any booming tambourine.

16. Today I would be devout and penitent,
That tomorrow my goblet might brim over.

17. If I am shackled in iniquities,
Borne down by them, who will release me?

18. Is there an honest repentance from them
That will purify me and set me free?

19. Oh, my craving when mankind is herded
To make war on me with utter disgrace!

20. Were it not that I hope in my God
And His mercy, I’d despair of salvation.