1. O shooting stars, you are ancient in the sky
And have pointed the way for all the wise

2. You foretold a death that would be fateful
Can you tell me now of the present demise?

3. Who now for the kingdoms of Caesar or Kisra
Or even your own diminutive Tubba

4. Time brings calamities and destroys all
Lord of the swords and bearer of spears

5. Deaf to the warnings and coins of Kumeyt and Dirhem
Blind to the foresight and tidings of Bashshar

6. People follow misguidance, sectarian paths
Zealots and partisans mired in strife

7. People hoard wealth, so who still says
Tax ruined the fine yields of the crop

8. As if the cawing of crows portends
The mixed harvest will bring a tenth tax

9. Life's portion for all is the least share
Not the tenth, but less than a tenth it is.