1. Life is short and we are in its expanse
While death stands guard at its doors

2. If one boasts of his lineage
Worms and decay are of his lineage

3. This body in existence is but ruin
Eras march on its dust

4. Since the time of Adam the grave was prepared
And all of creation is hostage to its request

5. Everyone is made absent by time to the tomb
And so shall time itself meet its absence

6. All things to oblivion are but playthings
Even eternity becomes of its games

7. Not so the creed of the sage aware
It is the creed of reason clear and keen

8. How many eras before Adam passed
Which time made vanish upon its return

9. And man's faith is firm in it
Until oblivion veils him with its screen

10. If he would read in the ether the book
He would see the truth in lines of its script

11. How many religions marched in the land
Time took them away before its departure

12. And religions yet shall our faith corrupt
And rise above its wreckage for days to come

13. This world is but a tumultuous sea
The shells of life floating atop its swell

14. This one riches cover in comfort
While that in poverty, reward for his toil

15. If the tyrant of nature is just
Where is the equality of his calculation?

16. Does he create the worlds then rest
Content with his making atop his throne?