لاnot أطلبI seek الرزقlivelihood بشعرٍthrough poetry ولاnor
لا أطلب الرزق بشعرٍ ولا
كنتI was علىof جيدهits fine verse أقدرI am capable
كنت على جيده أقدر
I do not seek my livelihood through poetry, nor
I do not seek sustenance through poetry
Have I been able to compose fine verse.
Nor am I able to compose it well
كيفhow وعلميand my knowledge أنthat ليI have سيداa master
كيف وعلمي أن لي سيدا
يرزقنيhe provides for me منfrom حيثwhere لاnot أشعرُI perceive
يرزقني من حيث لا أشعرُ
How could I, knowing that I have a master
How could I when I know I have a Master
Who provides for me from sources I do not perceive?
Who sustains me from where I am unaware