لئن قطع الغيث الطريق فبغلتي

لئن قطع الغيث الطريق فبغلتي

وحاشاك قبقابي وجوختي الدارُ

وحاشاك قبقابي وجوختي الدارُ

Should the rain cut off the road, then my mule—

If indeed the rain blocks the road, then my mule—

with apologies—is my wooden clog, and my woolen cloak is home.

with apologies to you—is my wooden clog, and my woolen coat is my home.

وإن قيل لا تخش فهي عبورَةُ

وإن قيل لا تخش فهي عبورَةُ

خشيت على علمي بأني جزَّارُ

خشيت على علمي بأني جزَّارُ

Even if it is said, “Do not fear: she is a capable crosser,”

And if I am told, “Do not fear, for she is good at crossing,”

I still feared, despite knowing that I am al-Jazzār—the Butcher.

I fear, though I know full well that I am a butcher.