1. I have reached forty years,
And forty children as well.

2. No, but I am burdened with more,
Beyond what's been counted and told.

3. As if what was tallied for me
By the hands of accountants,

4. Was stored and diminished
With more from me through the ages.

5. Or as if I don't see my children
Supported by my demise.

6. They were all but ropes and cords
Scattered, divided and frayed.

7. How much joy I had for a newborn
I waited for in hopes one day,

8. And that time would guide me to see
Its gifts stretched before me to display.

9. It's strange that I'm made happy
By what makes me most decay.

10. Leave this, for past you remains
Forty dawnings, long in their stay,

11. In which a blow is released
For the horn, emptying all breath and health away.

12. O you racing in vanity,
Wait, for you have reached your lifespan.

13. In your forties three times over
Are lessons for those bound in shackles.

14. How many forties and forty years again
Will say, the misguided must now be led?

15. In them are advices
That call the straying to righteousness instead.

16. With sincere repentance
To the One, the Single, the Eternal Head.