1. The master of beasts, a wolf stalks behind,
I wish to flee from beasts though great their fame,

2. No youth can change the head with which he's lined,
As little as the pen its ready aim,

3. And though this world as lovable's designed,
It never left us free of grief and pain,

4. And he of fortune's blamed though fate's assigned,
What mortal ever grasped joy free of bane?

5. In age a comrade finds the wise's line,
As though till then he'd known nor wit nor brain,

6. And pious seemed before the chance was his,
But once empowered, justice he'd disdain,

7. Believing dawn remains at his command,
Though stumbling sightless in the dark's demand,

8. Of tyranny's perfection that I've seen,
Your warring those who tender peace serene,

9. Goodness' vessel made of gentlesteel,
Though oxen trampled it would never kneel

10. Did God forbid the iron word to break,
Or silk to speak when God the order spake,

11. From life where hurt I've gathered do I crave
A death to soothe me, set my spirit free,

12. A dove's mirage came visiting my grave,
Welcome that ghost though it awakened me,

13. Can one verse-wise tradition's creed deny,
Once kissed the Kaaba's stone and said goodbye?

14. No upright spear of men remains to fight,
Nor stalwart souls to challenge evil's might.