1. I marveled at the bleary-eyed and the wind was a comfort
To the light of a fire between scattered embers and millstones

2. To the light of a fire where its people warmed the old meat
And guests may be honored while the old meat is warmed

3. So when we came we complained to them
Both the living and the dead wept for what made them weep

4. A needy one wept from being blamed and a visitor
Tightened from hunger his waistband over his waist

5. So I glanced, would I see a plump girl
And I resigned myself to fines and ransom

6. Then I saw her, a heap with protruding ribcage
Agitated, one of those who enjoyed pillows

7. So I gestured discreetly to Habtar
By God, Habtar's eyes, what a gallant man

8. And I said to him, attach yourself to her brittle shin
For if the shackles are forced, women do not object

9. So I admired Habtar that Habtar
Went without being struck and his knife unsheathed

10. As if after satiating them on her hump
I uncovered a veil from my heart so it shone

11. So we passed the night while our pot had unsteadiness
For us before what was in it was roasted and drained

12. And in the morning our shepherd was with us
With sixty she-camels whose udders sagged

13. So I said to the master of the camels, take them in pairs
And a camel for us like your camels in life

14. It bears for a group of them from behind them
So all of them by evening came to its light