جهدت لأمر خلته مد طاقتي

I strived for a matter that exceeded my capacity

And I dressed it up, but fate is shrewder

وكست له لكنما الحظ أكيس

So when it became impossible, I went to seek my companion

But seeking companionship was inauspicious

فلما تعاصى رحت أسعى لصاحبي

So I submitted all matters to God

And protected my face with water that cannot be sullied

فخاب كأن السعي للصحب ينحس

And I learned what time has taught

That when destiny speaks, striving becomes mute

فسلمت للَه الأمور جميعها

And that the children of mankind are of two types: one

Bare, and another who wears whatever he wishes

وصنت لوجهي ماءه لا يدنس

And my worldly life was married to poetry

I enjoyed her, but the husband was bankrupt

وعلمت ما قد علم الدهر أنه

So I became a Sufi when my goal was absent

Wandering with what I have, a most excellent escape

إذا أنطق المقدور فالسعي أخرس

وأن بنى الإنسان صنفان واحد

عرى وثان كل ما شاء يلبس

وزف إلى الشعر دنياي زوجة

أمتعها لكنما الزوج مفلس

فأصبحت صوفيا إذا غاب غايتي

غويت الذي عندي ونعم المتنفس