1. What can the mourner do?
The tears of sorrow are never in vain

2. People before cried over their loved ones
But did any of them come back?

3. We knew of misfortunes before they happened
Yet when they happened, it did not increase us except in pain

4. But what onlookers see
Is not like what the hearer hears

5. A twenty-year old is lowered into his grave
While his ninety year old friend remains

6. On one head is pitch-black hair
On another, white hair blowing in the wind

7. So let those who doubt know that fate
Is a whirlwind against which there is no protection

8. And that one who lives out his days
Still hopes for more life afterwards

9. So tell me, what is the secret of this life
That is loved but fate always takes it away

10. The ambitious struggle for it
And the worshipper prostrates before it

11. And if a man could be saved
By turmoil and strife on earth

12. And one taken amidst his ribs
Could armor protect him?

13. Every father called by the cooing dove
If he hears, is obedient

14. He surrenders his soul willingly
Like a seller extending his hand

15. Disease left its mount suddenly
And Hassaan submitted like one fleeing

16. And a whiff came upon Tubba
None of his entourage remained

17. Had Salama been safe from fate
The ascending moon would not have collapsed

18. And no young prey escapes the claws of fate
If it possesses the qualities of the slain

19. A boy like a Samhar pipe
When the chanter seeks him, submits

20. His features like the light of dawn
Brought out by early morning clouds

21. The branches nearly weep for him
When his lovely moon sets

22. I am amazed that such a finely wrought necklace
Is corrupted by its maker

23. He pierces it though the bloom of youth
Did not reach you, or its period end

24. While he who was created with beauty
And an elegant form

25. How can the youth avoid what he fears
When his reaper is the planter?

26. Above him shadows like clouds
Below him, an impregnable mountain

27. And peers excel in dignity
The celestial orbit revolves around them

28. And if he willed, he could shorten the hand of fate
But the diverting arm did not deflect it

29. Rather, it came to him asking
So his generous breast gave it away

30. Did you exceed in your generosity
Until fate deceived your loved ones, O time?