1. I languished, and tears flooded my eyes,
Troubles poured forth turbulently,

2. As if my bed lay over raging fire,
Or over it prowled preying beasts.

3. For the best guardian of Quraysh and its sandals -
When good is hoped or evil present -

4. Alas, the food of the caravan is gone,
Under Suhaym's pine trees buried in graves.

5. Under Suhaym's pine trees - a knowing and denying knight,
A raider in forays, an eloquent and quick blade.

6. They called out that among them was no lord of the living,
And the living were aggrieved - Ka'b and 'Amir.

7. Whenever he came from Syria in caravan,
Tidings would run ahead to us.

8. So Allah's people would wake pure white
As if their shawls were stained reddish fur.

9. You see a house the ages never leave it
Rumbling, a heap of arrow shafts and makers,

10. When it ate one day, the next would bring the same,
Seafaring ships, raging she-camels in heat.

11. Strokes with the sword blades coursing their fat,
When their supplies fail, you are barren.

12. If there is no mature meat, then it
Pours into their mouths the unripe.

13. Oh you were loved with a sandal-strap
Of Levantine make whose thongs turn yellow.