ومن نكد الأيام أن كتابها

ومن نكد الأيام أن كتابها

وفيه شفاءُ النفس جاء أخيرا

وفيه شفاءُ النفس جاء أخيرا

And among the days' misfortunes is that her letter—

The bitterness of days has also brought

With healing for the soul within it—came at last.

A book, at last, to heal the soul inside.

تسلمته عجلان والدمع واكفٌ

تسلمته عجلان والدمع واكفٌ

كأن له في ناظري زفيرا

كأن له في ناظري زفيرا

I received it in haste, and tears were streaming,

I took it in my hands, while tears welled up,

As though it breathed a sigh within my eyes.

As if a sigh escaped before my eyes.

على أن فيه من شذاها بقيّة

على أن فيه من شذاها بقيّة

تحيل دخان السافيات عبيرا

تحيل دخان السافيات عبيرا

Yet in it remains a trace of her fragrance,

Yet lingering in it is its fragrance still,

Turning the smoke of dust-scattering winds into perfume.

Turning dark fumes to scents men hold most dear.