1. I lament, O skilled one, you knew not what
Sorrows you awakened, latent within me

2. You summoned back days long past
With Ismael, pure and joyous

3. Alas! Who is there for the weak when contested?
Who sees not himself amongst the judges

4. And who is there for justice if its pillars
Were torn down by the builders who built it?

5. O Maher, God’s promise is true
Why should I fear for you, so devout?

6. What care I for composure, lord of my soul
I am distraught, my patience adorns me not

7. What care I, if I’m ordered to show some patience,
I see patience as one of the miracles

8. O Maher, you were, in days gone by, forgetfulness
Who do I have on the remaining nights?

9. You were, when I complained, sleepless with sadness
Repeating what news of my complaints reached you

10. Asking the passing breeze about me
Yearningly, and the flashing lightning

11. He who loses one like you weeps a lifetime
That has turned from affection and fellowship

12. I would be lying if I believed some of your affection
My wings would be weighed down by the wailers’ voices

13. My eyes would trace the bier for you
Behind you, weeping, the lamenters’ ambitions

14. Despite my agony, that a shadow has dwindled from you
And a lifetime has tested me with life

15. That streams I drew purity from for you
More sweet than the flowing Euphrates

16. That my right hand withered of the affection
I sang of on empty, vacant nights

17. O brother, only greetings visit you
In the evening and at dawn

18. Except my tears which I scatter profusely
Upon the memory of your absent shadow

19. You passed away, faster to arrive
At the sublime gardens on high