1. Behold, the people of the caravan whom I found
Were like other people when they prospered and grew rich,

2. And I am inclined toward their friendship
When we walk together and shuffle along,

3. And when the live coals of a blazing firebrand
Warm the saddlecloth on which it is kindled.

4. The she-camel of swollen hip, crumpled and scarred,
Is sometimes hobbled there by them and saddled.

5. Upon her are the young boys such as you have seen,
And about her walk widows poor and meek.

6. And I said to her, “O white mother of youths,
Whose food is hastily cooked in pots,

7. A brew of Channels and heated water
We last boiled in the previous evening.”

8. For you and I were like a mother who pawned
The water of her eyes to ransom and endure.

9. But when he came of age and his youth paid off,
Another took her place, austere and kohl-eyed.

10. She remained till the joints of both elbows
Were worn threadbare with her tossing about and writhing

11. As she chose between two joys neither enviable -
Bereavement, except that she might adorn herself.

12. Like the night of an aged, grizzled woman you haven't forgotten,
And like our night when whatever befell befell had its run.

13. I say to him, “O son of a water bag prone to leak,
When was she confined to al-Afayyah and fettered

14. With unremitting thirst such that you can hardly see
The leather bucket pass round her gullet?

15. The landmarks of the country are unrecognized by their owner,
And he knows that nothing in it can be set aright.”