1. Of Aleppo's wonders, say what you will, my friend, if you know,
One morn there came suddenly an army of foes like clouds swollen with hail,

2. They came like the billows of oceans with ships
White and brown and blackness descending.

3. They undid that happiness and confused
The nurses from what they had suckled, wandering in distress.

4. Oh what a day of heavy clouds it was
When the mosques therein were demolished.

5. Those schools crumbled and their Korans
Lay torn atop the earth though they were thick.

6. Every respected woman was dishonored and made captive
She who was once esteemed and venerated.

7. She calls unto one who answers not her call
And complains to one who neither cares nor pities.

8. Oh Aleppo, how deserted are your meadows,
And how dumbfounded, unable to speak.

9. I mourn your people in every house
And weep through the night longing for them.

10. But to God belongs the will in this,
He does with us as He judges and rules.