1. O brother of tender affection, how can you be so patient with us?
Or have you forgotten how you were and how we were?

2. Has reckless impulse made your heart into stone?
Or did you intentionally take your heart from us?

3. If you've been absent from our sight in person,
In spirit you have never been absent from us.

4. Our eyes have seen none but you at any time,
And a brotherly love, none but love can destroy.

5. We have not laughed in our sorrow since we missed you -
How can the heart laugh when deprived of joy?

6. We languish from the agony of your absence,
As tenderly as you used to languish.

7. If you could see us crying for you while
We wish for nothing except to meet you.