1. I witness as the train speeds
Like a flash of lightning in the dark

2. Passing high and low
Plundering the plains and hills

3. When it met, and he would not see it
An obstinate one, it crushed him with a crash

4. The two opposites clashed as enemies
And shattered in the gloom a violent shattering

5. The iron vehicle melted away
Except for its massive ribs

6. And the kindling wood revealed
Scorching embers within

7. In that moment you forgot
The horror and the illness

8. Remembering loved ones
You were weaned from them, weaned

9. Calling “Long live Egypt,” you fell
Enduring gruesome death

10. Oh, what fleeting seconds
The shortest extended forever

11. And set a heart aflame for youths
Who were bodies and became bones

12. They were glowing faces
Piled up feet and shoulders

13. Yesterday they were the smile of hope
Now, no hope or smile

14. In God’s safekeeping, O company
They lived with honor and died with honor

15. Your affliction healed Egypt’s sorrow
And startled the homeland and Damascus

16. In every heart a throbbing for you
Banished sleep