وَصَلَ الهَجيرَ إِلى الهَجيرِ لَعَلَّهُ

في الخُلدِ يَظفَرُ بِالهَواءِ السَجسَجِ

The migrant reached the migrant, hoping

In eternity to get the soft, wispy air

سَلَبتُهُ بُردَ الوَردِ راحَةُ ميتَةٍ

غَصَبتَهُ حينَ كَسَتهُ بُردَ بَنفسَجِ

The cold of roses robbed him of restful sleep

When it clothed him in violet's cold

غَشّاهُ مُصفَرُّ الأَنامِلِ خافِياً

فَكَأَنَّهُ لِبَنانِهِ لَم يَنسُجِ

The yellow date palms concealed him

As if he had not woven them as clothing

وَلّى وَخَلَّفَ عِرسَهُ وَبَناتِهِ

يَجنينَ أَطيَبَ مَطعَمٍ مِن عَوسَجِ

He turned away, leaving his wedding party and daughters

To reap the sweetest tasting food of bitterness