1. Neither shame nor fear could prevent our support,
Nor when I left did you reward my gifts.

2. Though fond, when I visit I'm treated as a foe-
Alike we are to friends and those we don't know.

3. We wished you kindness but you remained aloof;
Far different are the generous and the uncouth.

4. The noble man has cheer to match each kindness done,
While generous deeds the miser shuns, each one.

5. As if she who comes to you had donned fine gowns
With jewels and silk of many shades and tones.

6. My soul oft chided me, but my heart was deaf
And still desired what brought but hurt and grief.

7. The Wali of Umm Bakr bore the pain of love
Though the beloved left and hopes proved false enough.

8. So you were abandoned and your foes now hold
What you had guarded- ah, how fate is bold!

9. I hid from prying eyes, though hiding her I never could.
When last I saw her, she wore a gown and cloak of wood.

10. At dusk she stood displaying herself to the lookers,
Maidens around her, less fair than this hooker.

11. Her glances like water let flow o'er hearts
Capturing them like prey caught in fishing nets.

12. When she traveled, joy filled the air about her face
And the narrowest alley seemed a vast open space.

13. Sick with love between ribs, she's cure and bane -
I said to my doting heart: she has no cure for your pain!

14. She scorns gentle hearts though herself quite wild,
Mixing with the vile and those by vice beguiled.

15. Let passion die, as if it had never been,
For our love left no trace or roots within.

16. How can you miss that distant Umm Bakr?
You used to shun her when houses watched you from afar!

17. Shadin refused at Zabiyan a meeting for us two,
And the lover's greatest need is the beloved's view.

18. So I resigned myself to lovesickness and despair,
For without my gifts, her love was but empty air.

19. Oh my heart, burning with the wounds of ardent care!
For your afflictions, no remedy anywhere.

20. Free of frivolity and youthful urges stayed I,
For lovers' worries allow no time to go awry.

21. You wished to meet the singer - desires bring sorrow!
What the youth covets often breeds grief on the morrow.

22. By her father's life, she never gave what we did earn!
Loyalty and faithfulness from her we did not learn.

23. The best of friends is he whose company delights,
Where music rises when reserve takes flight.

24. Yet closeness is for those who truly care,
Not vile pretenders feigning love while hearts forswear.

25. No good in fake affection or friendship's hollow guise -
Sincerity and genuineness real friendship comprise.

26. My companions I'll reproach but then forgive,
Weak flesh and pride compel each one to live.

27. Why should I not pardon, though they give me pain?
My own hands cause hurt for which my soul bears stain.

28. Youth's reproaches are a daily tragedy;
To curb women's caprice takes great ability.

29. I have patience for parting but cannot bear
A gathering where derision and deceit appear.

30. With forbearance I keep affection safe in sight
For him who's sick at heart I know the cure is light.

31. At Mahayil I silenced critics with my words -
Beyond eloquence, futile debate still girds.

32. Tall Alyaa of Rabi'a's clan knew I can be
A relentless warrior when swords clash angrily.

33. Son of Nihaya I left, though long he prattled on,
Silent as the bare earth when all life is gone.

34. None avenged like me, or answered pride with hate -
In my eyes the arrogant could only anger create.

35. Verses slip from my tongue like snakes' fangs dripping death -
The lines' measure become a final fatal breath.