أُحاجِيكَ ما شيباءُ أولَ نشْئِها

أُحاجِيكَ ما شيباءُ أولَ نشْئِها

فإنّ عُمّرَتْ حُبَّ الشبابُ وقُرِّبا

فإنّ عُمّرَتْ حُبَّ الشبابُ وقُرِّبا

I pose you a riddle: what is white-haired when first born?

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

For if it lives long, youth is loved and brought near.

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

إذا صُحَفَتْ كانتْ دعاءً ورغبةً

إذا صُحَفَتْ كانتْ دعاءً ورغبةً

فإن قُلِبَتْ عادتْ لَبُوْساً ومشْربا

فإن قُلِبَتْ عادتْ لَبُوْساً ومشْربا

When its letters are re-dotted, it becomes a prayer and a wish.

When opened it became a prayer and longing,

And if reversed, it becomes clothing and a drink.

When folded it returned a kiss and drink.