1. A spark flashed in the tin like lightning
Keeping you awake while the tent was quiet

2. It startled happy and hid shyly
And glimmered in the wings of night radiantly

3. Awaking latent passion in my ribs
And exciting longing that never calmed

4. I remembered it smiling like a fluttering flag
When we gathered above the bedding

5. Graceful white ankles glimpse under her gown
As immaculate as the shining sun

6. Her wrapper is too narrow for her graceful stride
And her anklet strains though loose

7. A bird called his mate after warbling
I stayed up weeping while he slept

8. I asked him, “Bird why do you mourn
Did absence startle you like me?”

9. “Yes,” he said “We were lovers
Parted by fate’s cruel blow”

10. Fate was harsh in separating us
Singling us out with its guile

11. May God reunite those parted by parting
He who parted us can reunite us

12. Love penetrated my ribs enticing me
My ribs could not contain it

13. I yearn futilely for that fluttering flag
As the bereft lover yearns for his departed love

14. I am the ardent afflicted lover
And what lover does not return to love

15. I stay up like the sleepless night wanderer
Whose mouth the viper’s venom fills

16. When a bird cries or lightning flashes
My tears flow from their resting place

17. When you wound me from where I know not
You are beyond reach, O Fate

18. Should I be patient like the noble?
So you reward this patience or not?

19. If you pierced that fluttering flag yesterday
Today I follow its traces

20. O fluttering flag, love has twisted my guts
Neither solace nor patience soothes the pain

21. Your bright phantom haunts my bed
A glimpse of you contents me

22. Know that I openly court love
Responding to its call obediently

23. Whoever’s reins are held by fair faced youths
Will be led by them or lead them submissively