1. Did you not ask the old house, after you left,
If it still belongs to Umm Hussein?

2. Ask the caravan if they have ever stopped
At your abode, where the camels kneel.

3. Did the teary eyes overflow with their water
Until my cloak turned green from their tears?

4. I implore the birds to visit you in earnest,
That they may bring glad tidings of meeting you.

5. I weep when the caravan sings your name,
Wishing that the caravan lives when it comes near.

6. Will Umm ‘Amr reward me for my affection?
For my love for her surpasses what is seen.

7. Every lover only does what he can,
Yet my love for her exceeds all effort.

8. When she draws near, my longing only grows,
When she is far, I despair for her distance.

9. My heart insisted on loving only Buthaina,
For the heart’s love of Buthaina does no good.

10. My soul clung to hers before we were created,
And after we were drops and then infants.

11. It grew as we grew until it flourished,
Not ceasing when we die and turn to dust.

12. Remaining through all states,
Visiting us in the darkness of our tombs.

13. No one found my passion, not even Hind’s lover,
Nor Orwa when he was parted from his love.

14. Those who have died have found peace,
While my heart finds no serenity or guidance.

15. Her delicate skin is scratched by the ripples
When she bathes her smooth body in the water.

16. I yearn for the breeze from her bosom,
As Idris yearned for the eternal Garden.

17. A caring brother blamed me, though dear to me:
“Awaken from your infatuation with Buthaina!”

18. I said: “God has ordained what you see,
Can His decree be rejected?”

19. “Be it misguidance or wisdom to love her,
I have come to it beyond intention.”

20. “A pact from God binds us,
There is no escape for one who breaks a vow to God.”

21. “By her goodness, I have not betrayed her,
Though I know not what she did after me.”

22. The slanderers only increased her glory to me,
Her affection remains with me still.

23. Are there others like me who suffer such love?
Or did I uniquely love among all people?

24. Have lovers all suffered as I have for her love?
Or has no one else felt the anguish I feel?

25. When she is absent, my heart wanders to Najd,
When she is in Najd, my heart yearns for her.

26. I came to Banu Sa’d in full health,
Yet my heart’s illness was love of Banu Sa’d.