1. The name of Al-Khali and how dense its heat
With the terrible news spreading far and wide

2. The likes of it turn women into mourners
And up rise the wailers with their tools at eventide

3. Whoever rejoiced at the murder of Malik
Let him come to our women in broad daylight

4. Once they hid their faces shyly from all
Now barefaced they stand exposed to open sight

5. The women mourn him like bereaved widows
Beat their faces with hands uncontained in their plight

6. They lacerate tender cheeks for a man
Gentle of nature, kind and upright

7. After Malik bin Zuhair's murder
Do the women hope for rewards of the contrite?

8. In his killing I see no glory whatsoever
But horses saddled up for the raid and fight

9. Unweaned camels who taste no udhuf for years
Cast off their litters and ropes in their fright

10. Hot brands on faces as if to hide
The shame and dishonor of blood debt's blight

11. Oh Lord, whoever rejoiced at Malik's murder
Will be led into evil and Hell's own night