أُحاجِيكَ ما شيباءُ أولَ نشْئِها

فإنّ عُمّرَتْ حُبَّ الشبابُ وقُرِّبا

I challenge you, though gray-haired, recall your youth,

For youth was nourished by love, and drew us near.

إذا صُحَفَتْ كانتْ دعاءً ورغبةً

فإن قُلِبَتْ عادتْ لَبُوْساً ومشْربا

When opened it became a prayer and longing,

When folded it returned a kiss and drink.