1. If grief's chill would abate from my anguish,
I would not deafen my ears to consolation.

2. But the bosom friend of my innermost heart
Is filled with the ache of an uncured illness.

3. Time has been harsh, though oblivious is he
To the torment of my desolate weeping.

4. If my misfortune's wound were laid bare
By a body emaciated and frail,

5. He would say, why do I see you so sad
That you moan like a camel bereft of her young?

6. Take comfort - comfort's more fitting indeed
To one so perfect and nobly refined.

7. So I said, who but I should complain
With the sobbing and wail of the woeful?

8. With patience my heart was a sword long ago,
Today it is rusted and ruined.

9. Comfort me gently, have mercy on me,
My ailing heart falters and crumbles.

10. You lie if you claim I am consoled -
I've not slept a night since this absence so long.

11. I ask about the fine patience I had
Before losing Abu Khalil, that pillar of faith.

12. Death struck him down with a blow unexpected,
For death itself can be lazy and dull.

13. The angels then washed his pure earthly frame
And said: Blessed this body made clean.

14. They shrouded and prayed for him, saying:
Praise to this noble soul now serene.

15. Ahmad calls in his weeping so bitter:
My dear friend, for my tears oh how free!

16. And he mourns for a leader now gone,
Once firm though bent by time's heavy load.

17. Gently lead me, he pleads, from missteps
Of an age that has often misled.

18. I depend for my life on the great ones gone by,
You who bury my polished sword's blade.

19. These acts of grace that you mourn and recall
Mix mourning with weeping untold.

20. As one they carried my father's remains
In a casket with time's burden old.

21. O you whose journey to dust starts today,
After you is there refuge for me?

22. Your rule was glory for me in spite of
The best and the wisest who disagree.

23. For a time nights were brightened by you,
Rest and shade was your peace to bestow.

24. Your days glistened with bountiful beauty
That still in our memory sweetly glow.

25. Travelers came and went singing your praises,
Thanks for your generosity flowed.

26. But that praise is now sorrow and grieving
For you and your glory a shroud.

27. Yesterday's eulogy was for my youth,
Today I mourn the father of youth.

28. Loss upon loss fate unpitying brings me;
Like shooting stars swiftly they swoop.

29. Time has parted dear friends joined in union,
Though time is a lover who swoons.

30. Only a few of that noble band remain;
Yet the best may be found in their few.

31. Branches of glory surviving the loss
With sweetness attest to the roots.

32. There is Ali's reign after Ahmad,
And Khalil's bold brother who shoots.

33. No tribe knew glory before you -
To you glory's own tribe accrues.

34. Forgive me for offering no comfort here -
Such is the way when death renews

35. Grief in a heart that can barely endure.
Blessed the grave that hides my friend true!

36. The noble soul that resides in that place
Is rich beyond measure in virtue.