1. The grievous war brought misery to Bughada's fair maid,
Nearly destroying her life completely.

2. At night she weeps bitterly
Like scattered pearls, from the depths of her pain.

3. She laments to whoever will listen, in a voice
That softens even the iron heart.

4. Her anguish grew with her suckling babe
Who had known her bosom since his birth.

5. His gut writhed with the agony
Of terrible, gnawing hunger.

6. She held him close to comfort him, and her breasts
Became like firewood furnaces.

7. When the light of dawn pressed her
To fulfill her promises,

8. She lingered anxiously, with thoughts
Too narrow for poetry to contain.

9. Shall I beg, tears staining my face, from someone
With no honor or wisdom?

10. Or compromise my virtue for food,
Wandering astray?

11. I have no money, neither new nor old coin,
And no help from my aunt.

12. She rose, limbs shaking, barely able to walk,
And grudgingly gave her a trifling sum.

13. She wrote her a promissory note, with four witnesses,
To be paid back in days.

14. She brought the news to her starving son,
Sweet as honey on his tongue.

15. When the debt came due, drawing close
As a noose tightens on the neck,

16. Her savings were gone, which she had used
To sustain her strong child,

17. And of what she borrowed, only a hundred
Of the new coins remained.

18. She went to the market and bought with the rest
A loaded pistol, eager for blood.

19. She shut the windows, steeled herself,
To erase her soul from existence.

20. The child rushed to her, terrified,
His lids marked by years of prostration.

21. Had you but seen him clinging and crying
Like cool pearls streaming down her.

22. She kissed him farewell three times
On cheek, gaze, and brow,

23. Saying: Though I act now to end the disgrace
Inscribed through the years,

24. I've entrusted you to the Lord, for deposits
Are safe with the Trustworthy.

25. She brought her pistol to her brow,
On which prayers were etched.

26. It was done as she said, without question,
For the martyr's death is sublime.

27. My heart melts for you, though it be
Of granite rock or hardened steel.