1. A flash of lightning lit up the gloomy night,
And its flickering light awoke the sleeping heights,

2. Like an eyebrow's gesture on the day we parted,
Bidding farewell while others stayed, unheeded.

3. As if a lovesick lute spilled flames that seethed,
And molten metal on its frets was poured.

4. As if the skies were struck by two sharp blades
And blood ran down their groaning battlements.

5. As if the wind raced horses through the gloam,
Their torches held by hands urging them on.

6. It cracked the granite of the mount's stout heart,
For tremors born within it were not few.

7. It brought back days when crows, young and naive,
Nested in meadows of its chastity.

8. When loved ones lived nearby and often came,
Though steep the paths and difficult to scale.

9. When life was like a docile, quiet wadi,
Though virtue built around it many a keep.

10. But youth, when gone, does not come back anew,
And none can stop time's wheel its course pursuing.

11. When will denies me power to change one thing,
Patience alone remains for me to wield.

12. If appetite and greed try to misguide,
Contentment is an angel kind and true.

13. And those the feet of death have come upon,
Are but that proud and noble falcon freed.

14. Though time may twist its flowing current awry,
My will shall dam its tide like branches hewed.

15. Though lands may narrow, life has bread and meat,
And generous, righteous acts that I may do.

16. Though clouds may muster, twisting verse's rhyme
Can sprout thick banks of clouds when ink is spewed.

17. Gardens of thought still yield their fruit diverse,
As showers of the spring their life renew.

18. Still rise the sister stars in glory's sky,
Their radiant dawn breaks on the edge of blue.

19. Full-fed, his chastity will sleep in peace,
When dearth and hunger spread their dismal hue.

20. His gifts pour seas when teardrops are but drops,
His orchards grow heavy when branches are few.

21. Nurses forget their young and mothers' hearts
Will not be filled when udders give no dew.

22. He tends the marches, no dissenting hearts,
No wealth is wasted, no man swerves untrue.

23. But grace of God has spread o'er all instead,
And every tribe gives thanks in chorus due.

24. None but denies by his own artifice,
Though intentions fair may meet fortunes rude.

25. One whose nature is to raven and rend
May gift a torrent when his mood comes true.

26. Raiment of reverence makes him a defender,
By him the armorer's craft is given its due.

27. His strength has forged a sword to smite and sever,
With it the mailcoat and the helm lie hewed.

28. In gloom, his blade will strike his foeman ever,
For at its lifting, many dead accrue.

29. Some prostrate low before his might and power,
Some bow their heads in humbleness anew.

30. He tames wild souls, serene and suppliant made,
Meekness and awe upon their faces grew.

31. Had that Defender given him the throne,
A trustee he'd be, no breach of trust he'd do.

32. Tomorrow we'd be his ribs protecting all,
Be they of ivory or basalt hue.

33. Kindness he shows, as ribs curve round the heart,
No deficiency reveals their form, 'tis true.

34. Our chiefs, how well their reins have bound us fast,
Obedience worn while hard their burdens grew!

35. We reaped beneath your shade rich harvests' gain,
No fear to haunt, alarm us nor subdue.

36. Your advent made existence bloom afresh,
As rain on meadows makes their green renew.

37. Your favor was our intercessor's robe
When pressed by nights - great favors you bestow!

38. May He who rewards all good repay you well,
For payment from our hands will not accrue.

39. And blessings as the Feast of Sacrifice dawns anew!
Its radiant morn adorned by your light's hue.

40. Your gifts at hand for slaughter offerings made,
Your perfumes spread as fires of good works strew.

41. Last long your days, while lightning cleaves the clouds,
And gloom is pierced by gleam when nights are through!