1. Alas! When one departs from life, is there a return?
And does the soul find eternal rest for itself?

2. When misfortune befalls a man, is any resolute
Except as one helpless in the end?

3. Does the soul of a dear one follow another soul?
Or when death comes, is there no going back?

4. Does a young man have a neighbor to guard him from harm,
So he wakes securely with no cause for fear?

5. A man strives for what is good for him,
Yet his soul dislikes what will benefit him.

6. How pitiful is man when his mind betrays him!
Does he not see the right way and hear it?

7. You see him independent when he is content,
And find him a slave, pleading, when he is greedy.

8. Can it avail me to pour forth my grief
For loved ones who left us and bade farewell?

9. I call to them while the earth lies between us.
They do not hear my voice or answer, but hurry on.

10. They departed before me, leaving me behind
Until the fated moment when I will follow.

11. They said: Do not weep for Kharija ibn 'Amir!
I said: Yes, if that will avail.

12. I will weep for Abu 'Amr - rightly he deserves weeping -
With copious flowing tears of sorrow.

13. I will weep for Abu 'Amr, for a guest with covered face,
For one in need with which he knew not what to do.

14. He was the tongue of the living tribe of Qais and its sharp sword.
Through him Qais did injury and brought benefit.