1. I stood lamenting at the bridge, nothing but
A whisper in the ear of a deaf, barren old hag.

2. I stood imploring it, not knowing I was but
Inscribing my dreams upon the froth of water.

3. To where does this soil flow, and around it
Fires from a land scorched and parched with drought?

4. Answer me, O Euphrates, for I am but
Sickly in this life, plagued by ills.

5. I strutted proudly, but no nation was deceived
By longing for rain in prolonged drought.

6. The departed cried around you for an age - did they
Ever see in your wave a moment’s attention?

7. Iraq complains of drought, and I seek
My share, but find with you no irrigation.

8. Do you, O Euphrates, convey a greeting
To people on your banks, healthy and vigorous?

9. You foolishly flow to the turbulent sea,
While your people in Iraq suffer pain.

10. Your father, the clouds of rain, is generous;
His rain comforts every land in both Iraqs.

11. So from whom did you learn stinginess, O neighbor of youths?
They are the flowing Euphrates in the belly of the plain.

12. The flowers complained of your banks, so be ashamed and save them
From oppressive thirst and the serpent of water.

13. You flowed without consciousness to no purpose,
Confused among destinies, impudent.

14. So let me blame you, for I am but
A poet of praise, blame, and poetry.

15. Are you the one whose thirst is quenched to seethe
In a bay by the shore, raging?

16. Are you the one who waters the seas while around you
Flowers in a plain are ransomed by thirst?

17. We stood on your banks complaining of our misfortune
To the beats of tambourine, lute, and flute.