1. Grief overcame me and my patience failed me,
When the mourner announced the death of Abu Bakr,

2. And I saw the vicissitudes of time left me alone,
Abandoning me to my enemies' backs.

3. In fine garments, of sweet appearance, glorious,
He passed away to his destination, overtaken

4. By a predetermined fate granted to him,
And I was left with only sorrow and a burning chest,

5. Yearning keeps returning to me, though little
Yearning and praise remain in me for him,

6. When men's hands cast him down,
Into the depths of a dusty grave.

7. I knew I would never see him again
Among people until the Gathering Day,

8. I nearly died from being parted from him, though
My soul did no wrong at the verge of his grave.

9. By the life of the Prophet who on the day
Of the Feast of Sacrifice was pinned by stakes of wood!

10. If attaining immortality could save him,
You would have had no fear of death's vicissitudes.

11. Excellent is the abode of the shrouded ones when
Drought strikes, and the rain clouds fail.

12. How often I lamented as my eyes
Poured forth their tears flowing down!

13. Where, which hero will stand by our side
When matters grow grave?

14. To fend off a hostile opponent
And provide for an impoverished brother?

15. I know, though I pretend not to feel
The burning embers’ heat.

16. No man can escape death
Or shield and hide himself from it.