1. My people parted, some staying, some departing,
So by God, which of my people should I follow?

2. Those who stayed I don't care for their leaving,
And those who left, I longed that we'd meet.

3. I grieve for them all, though my roots pull me near,
So move the closer ones, lest our bond crack and tear.

4. My people left the family of Awff ibn Amer,
Though long they were allies Awff hoped to pair.

5. Ibn Mu'az judged against his people once,
With a fault, though a commander should rarely err.

6. I sent them where the paths wind through the pastures,
But disobedience only brings loss, nothing gained.

7. Take me to my people Dhubay'ah, they are still
My folk, so blame me later or hold back the pain.

8. And my in-laws were generous, gracious hosts,
But a branch must bend back to whence it was lain.

9. Think not that I abandoned, shirked the battle,
Or tired like a hunter of sport and the chase.

10. Nay, but I wandered with the army of Tawwus,
And Mu'add was an ally time can't efface.