1. O people, it was destined that you see me a poet
Free in conscience, and that you see me a prose writer

2. And your secret keeper when guided, grateful
And your worst when misguided, warning

3. Yes, poetry is a noble craft I aspired to
Had I not lived among you a bewildered stranger

4. I judge you while my mind is aware
Of you, when the fighter awaits reward

5. I ask Egypt, though rich
For some of what green fields give the bird

6. And free is he who accepts roaming and sufficed
With feathers instead of shackles migrating