خَرَجْتُ أَجْتازُ قَفْراً غَيرَ مُجْتازِ

فَصادَنِي أشهَلُ العَينَينِ كالبازِ

I set out to cross a path none had crossed before,

When I was met by one with hawk-like piercing eyes.

صَقْرٌ على كَفهِ صَقْرٌ يُؤلّفُهُ

ذا فوقَ بَغْلٍ وَهَذا فَوقَ قُفَّازِ

A hawk perched on his wrist, another above saddle,

One above his glove, the other atop his hood.

كم مَوعدٍ لِيَ مِنْ أَلحاظِ مُقْلَتهِ

لو أَنَّهُ مَوْعِدٌ يُقْضى بإِنجازِ

How many times has his glance made promises,

As though a pledge to be fulfilled without fail.

أَبكِي وَيَضْحَكُ مِنِّي طَرفُهُ هُزُءاً

نَفْسي الفِداءُ لِذاكَ الضَّاحكِ الهازِي

I weep while his eyes laugh mockingly at me,

My soul is ransom for that smiling mocker’s gaze.