Sol 5.6

  1. The celestial essence journeyed to the upper world,

    and was lodged in the earth’s depths, a repository beyond sorrow.

  2. The house of knowledge, faith, and discernment was left vacant

    of remembrance, Qur’an, jurisprudence, and grammar,

  3. though once it had flourished with the tradition of Ahmad;

    now, after the intimacy of her presence, it stands desolate.

  4. Nudar had been a radiant sun within it,

    but that light was swiftly overtaken by eclipse and erasure—

  5. a maiden, as though Beauty had been asked whom

    it should inhabit, and, seeking glory, chose her.

  6. People ran their course toward lofty honors, yet fell short,

    while Nudar came foremost in that race.

  7. Among all daughters, Nudar has no equal;

    she surpassed the daughters of humankind, in town and desert alike.

  8. Peace upon that youth of hers which

    clothed itself in the mantle of knowledge, faith, and nobility.

  9. Peace upon the pride of maidens, whose

    peers took surpassing pride in her.

  10. They would honor her whenever they gathered in an assembly,

    sitting below while she sat in the place of honor.

  11. They would kiss her sleeve, so great was her stature,

    and she would scatter pearls of sweet speech before them.

  12. After Nudar, can I seek serenity in life,

    when it has been clouded? How far my life is now from serenity!

  13. Indeed, she has infused my heart, my sight, and my hearing,

    every thought I have and every limb of mine.

  14. Through all of time, I am filled with her presence,

    appearing before me yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

  15. I have vowed that I shall remain beside her,

    abiding sorrowfully, forever yearning and grieving,

  16. until Sha‘ub—Death—comes to me, and we ascend

    from this lowest hollow to the upper world.

  17. Though others may have grown heedless of their beloved,

    never for a day shall I be heedless of Nudar.

  18. Though one drunk with love may have sobered,

    I remain drunk, with no sobriety for me.

  19. May a garden where Nudar has made her resting place be watered

    by ceaseless showers from radiant morning clouds, with never a clearing;

  20. and may sweet basil forever shade her grave—

    for no garden holds the like of what this one holds.

Sol 5.6