1. When the armies of polytheism retreated in defeat
The archers grew lax thinking the matter decided

2. As if they and the shepherd boys were pebbles
Cast by a torrent bursting out in its downpour

3. Those who saw them when they set out thought them
Arrows loosed when battle grew fierce and caught flame

4. They rejected Ibn Jubayr's advice and went on
Except for a band who saw what others did not see and held back

5. Khalid and Ikrimah found it a chance
Not to be missed by the passionate soul

6. So they summoned horse and heroes and set forth
In a whirlwind flourishing spears and staffs

7. Leaving only the bags of the slain scattered behind
Abandoning the troops - God's troops - and the plunder

8. They flew to a rugged hill on rugged hill
That shook not since created in weakness or turmoil

9. The Messenger gave his saying and granted
Naught but his life as gift or donation

10. They divided it so had you seen his death place
You'd have seen in God a wondrous spectacle in him

11. Thrust and blow the valiance of which warriors shun
Weaponed by one who thrust at champions or smote them

12. They split his belly so their tongues in his blood
Seethed like a herd of cattle around him thronging

13. Slaughter succeeded slaughter scything the bright ones
Had it not been for glory no offspring of theirs would remain

14. That blood spilt on Uhud which if blood could grow
Would have grown naught but gold

15. I wrong it - nothing equals its stature
Though the range be overleapt or the degrees o'erstepped

16. No arrow remained nor archer to steady it
The downpour, the hurtling, withdrew and was hidden

17. Horses wheeled throwing their riders
After flight so the matter turned to ashes

18. The Muslims confused - how enemy onslaught
Could turn them or they could drive it away

19. They reformed ranks and picked over its booty
Thinking no evil of their camp nor reckoning

20. The aspect of panic was transfigured and took
On marvel's robes for it dusty tatters

21. Dumb, mute, blinding the discerning
From its features and tiring the guide of tracks

22. Wrapped in dusty air with deceit still wrapping it
Till death donned it and was donned

23. You see lions though kinsmen who fear not
Each other when stirred and leap up

24. One springs on his cousin's throat
Nor spares him if his thrust strikes home

25. This trial for folk their heedless chief
Turned from the counsel of their master who knows consequential harms

26. He said "Stand Firm" but they disobeyed, none
Save that a decree came to pass and overcame

27. A command from God hoping for good outcome
That establishes insight for the tribe or chastens

28. The Prophet indeed executes the order clearly
By God's wisdom, its light piercing dubiety

29. Sound of counsel not rumors' winds shake
The best what he chose, and evil what he avoided

30. In war and peace with decisive vigilance
Frustrating plotters and ravaging the flood of mischief

31. He who adorned the world with his visage
Inclined unto Arabs and chose them for prophecy