1. When we were determined, with little left
Of feigning yearning, save the merest pretense,

2. I wept by the river, hiding my tears,
Though their hue gave them away.

3. Had my companions known my troubles, they
Would not have joined me when we traveled.

4. When my breath blew into the sail,
It sent them back toward Homs with my sigh.

5. We stood there lovesick; my passion prevailed;
My sorrow called out, “Who will help me?”

6. I kindled a fire with my sigh,
And dawn became like the time of departure.

7. Parting feigned a farewell,
So I likened the wailing dove to a bearer of good news.

8. I kissed his cheek with tears
As a rose is plucked from a stream.

9. I returned and bared my heart to others’ hearts—
Hearts that had turned away from mine.

10. I kissed his footprint in the dust,
Discerning it by its delicate scent.

11. O Musa, you've had your fill of sweet affection,
While my night without you is the night of the blind.

12. My sleep grew estranged from my eyes,
And talk of my wishes lodged in my thoughts.

13. The distance did not make you more remote
Beyond the sun’s journey from moonrise to setting.

14. I dismissed all hope of you responding,
Entrusting affairs to change.