1. The water lily, were it not for its branching stems
Would make beholders think its hues were rubies.
١. وَزَهرُ نيلوفَرٍ لَولا تَشَعُّبُهُ
لَظَنَّ أَنواعَهُ الراؤونَ ياقوتا
2. As though its reds are beauties, and its blues,
When it opens its petals, are sapphires set.
٢. كَأَنَّ أَحمَرَهُ حُسناً وَأَزرَقَهُ
إِذا غَدا بِلِسانِ الحالِ مَنعوتا
3. Torches they lit, one with another instead
Of oil within them, sulfur for the wick.
٣. مَشاعِلٌ أَوقَدوا في بَعضِها عِوَضاً
مِنَ الوَقودِ مَكانَ النَفطِ كِبريتا