1. O abode between the branches and the dunes
Oblivion has passed over it over time

2. It has gone and life is leaving
When we recognized it was in ruins

3. I called: Can I hear an answer?
But no one lives in the ruined abode

4. Except the snorting wild donkeys
And the playground of friends and lovers

5. In Samir, a land sloping down
Where Salma once was, with the tambourine

6. But it and time itself have changed
How quick is destruction after prosperity!

7. And I can see them now
Frolicking in a magnificent, wondrous garden

8. With soft flowing streams and good soil
A light as bright as the drone of insects

9. In brilliant verdancy with clods of earth like bricks
Meeting the burning of the sun with burning

10. Like a praying believer bowing in repentance
Days shining from the tents

11. Houris with languid eyes, adorned lovers
Like statues or those punished by torment

12. Wandering in groups led by groups
Walking vainly beyond the battle lines

13. In the shade of a life with dripping sweetness
Weep for youth in a desolate abode

14. But count it as an answer that responds
And a companion called Abu Lablab

15. I said to him, advice for friends
“Do not fail the questioner; you have become confused

16. And withdraw if you battle other than weakness,
O heir of high ambition and widespread authority

17. Attainer of the highest, fulfilling, clouds
Between the portico of kings and the veil

18. Like heroes in the shadows of the forest
You have become, among Qahtan’s descendants, an arbiter

19. And an arbiter of secrets and insight
From a clan with limbs bent in prayer

20. Who lords it over the people by outstanding merit
While you are a mischief-maker over mischief-makers

21. For a miserable, failing scheme
Of one who wars with piercing flames

22. When it turns away from weakness
And a army like the darkness, creeping

23. Storming old and young alike
An army like the formidable lions of the thickets

24. You routed at daybreak when the sun was in its veils
With a raid beneath the lip’s edges like flocks

25. With death and dreadful anger
Like Jinn slapping the necks

26. The steadfast way for one riding to dread
No trembling heart nor cowardice

27. Meeting terrors with answer after answer
Brandishing a banner like the wing of a swooping eagle

28. In a throng, dense as the width of a mountain
Until they violated the camp of the deceiver

29. With repeated stabs and blows
Then they came to the most noble refuge

30. Good for the deviant doubter is his neighbor
And good for the weakened vagrant his lodging

31. Wallowing in blood in the battleground
Vast, rolling courtyard and trampled expanse

32. You meet those wronged seeking a drink
Slack-reined, reaping the fruits of his labors

33. Flowing with bounty, no niggard
Importuning those noble lords

34. How excellent is generosity toward the gentry
And how ugly are delays upon the Giver!

35. I have been slow to join my in-laws
Though gifts between us fly like the raven

36. While I am one of those worshipping in torment
Who promised—and a promise is a binding pact—

37. For you belong to outcasts and strangers
Like a mother who does not deny the prodded

38. So fulfill it from your abundant sea
With patterned cloth and clothes

39. May all who petition you ransom you
I have tired of seeking students

40. I am in prison sick at heart
So decide clearly or gain what I have

41. And let not my lot be awaiting the door