Translated from the Arabic by Will Pewitt
To thirst is no sin. So, Raib: Stuff me full of fire. Tear out all my tears. Oh, Lord of Mystery: I’ve hidden his true name from my tongue. But still I carry my desire on me, a treasure so far deeper than my pocket.
القلبُ مشتاقٌ إلى ريبِ يا ربُّ ما هذا من العَيْبِ قد تَيَّمتْ قَلْبِي فَلَمْ أسْتطِع إلا البُكا يا عالِمَ الغَيْبِ خبَّأْتُ في شِعْري اسْمَ الذي أردتُه كالخَبْءِ في الجَيْبِ
Abbasid poet Ulayya bint al-Mahdī was, as her name alludes, daughter of the caliph al-Mahdī, but was also sister to Harun al-Rashid, whose legend features prominently in the 1,001 Nights. In addition to her talent in verse, she was also acclaimed for her musical gifts.
Born in Austin, Texas, Will Pewitt now lives in Jacksonville, Florida where he teaches global literature. He publishes in a variety of genres, from fiction and poetry to history and philosophy.