1. Why does the raven croak at the ruins as dawn breaks,
Igniting flames of grief deep inside us?

2. He laments - we ask: "Do you see death's quick devastation?"
"Yes," he nods. "It has raged and destroyed."

3. A dove secure in the gardens of companionship -
He startled her, then claimed her for prey.

4. But she resisted as he stood there astonished
At his misdeed. His greed was overcome.

5. Dazzled by her crown of light as he descended
Upon her pure white gown - he lost control.

6. She slipped from his hands, smiling as she ascended
To a delicate garden on high, lush and fertile.

7. I did not lament her fortune, but wept for one
Far from her - a tender sapling burnt by separation's flames.

8. A branch, once brilliant, whose flowers the storms of fate
Had ravaged and stripped bare.

9. A broken, drooping branch, bent over
In the spring of its life, sunk in sorrow.

10. The tears on his left cheek are constant -
His right eye stopped weeping long ago.

11. Just yesterday he wore the robes of grief.
Joy did not visit his heart again.

12. She left and the wedding concluded.
Dancing returned to the gardens - but was it real?

13. A year of joyful celebration lasted only a moment,
As if it were a dream that passed like a cloud.

14. Until he awoke at dawn into darkness,
As if night had become the new dawn.

15. He calls to his father and laments his stolen pearl.
He rages at his misfortune and loss.

16. He weeps, and his infant daughter weeps,
So he feeds her his tears to appease her cries.

17. The tears of youth spill for the youth,
Increasing his sorrows and anguish.

18. Oh guide him, for fate has tested him
As it does the wise and learned.

19. I saw him sunk in grief and burning with sorrow,
His state perplexed me and filled me with wonder -

20. A fatherless father, widowed groom, confused lover,
An elder with the sorrows of a boy defeated.

21. These are your qualities, my friend -
In one era you lived lifetimes.

22. In your nature, kindness penetrates,
Dispelling rage and anger.

23. Temper the flames with the patience inside you,
And leave behind what has departed.

24. Though misfortune assails you, do not despair -
Be courageous of mind, wise and prudent.

25. Overcome ignorance with your light.
Calamities spare no one in this life.

26. Those who endure will not stumble.
You are the brave one, courageous in mind.