1. Another lightning flashed at the end of night,
Flowing from its brightness a clear rain between lightings.

2. I waited for it until its water rose high on the horizon,
And, because of much rain, rivulets flowed from it.

3. It waters delicate plants and adorns them
With dew and nights, after that, are long.

4. How can you wish for them without their land?
Tall mountains, those towering heights.

5. Its high places and corners from which
Separating from packs of sheep are dear to me.

6. You are the beloved, O Umm ‘Amr, if only
We could attain you or your tents draw nearer.

7. I would be free of cares and gone from me
Would be fantasies of the beloved disturbing my heart.

8. With flowering plants as though their buddings
Are their brilliant chambers when they come into view.

9. When she comes out from her house, her eye is guarded,
Protected - carnelians have fascinated her.

10. I swear by the Lord of the two places on an evening
When torrents down a hollow are below them and meadow saffrons.

11. In the morning they rouse red proboscises as though they are
Thrusting them with half a lote tree from among the thickerets.

12. When the one giving tidings startles them, they bustle hastily
Like swords unsheathed that slash and cut.

13. When blustering cold makes them circle about and turn away
Refusing, no first one can prevail against them.

14. When the travelling party decides to depart and summits
Of wave-like dunes and deep hollows appear to them.

15. On every crag as though its late stragglers
Are a monastery when the party moves on.

16. Indeed, Umm ‘Amr met us with truthfulness
Out of nobility of nature or creations restricted her.

17. Only a small band of them when the travellers prepared
And birds in the bushes burst into speech.

18. Why did you not ask, O Umm ‘Amr, and be informed?
Greetings – may the clouds water you with heavy rains.

19. Silent because of the voice of thunder but fragments
Of bleating and braying – no loud noises for them were heard.