1. O my people, be steadfast and patient
With what fate has in store, though you know it not

2. With what you forget and recall something else
With what you cannot forget, save by remembering

3. You know not the unseen, so do not claim to know
You have no part in the affair of Uthman

4. Curse the fates and destinies!
And the birds that flew between the sheaves and ink

5. Curse those who disbelieved me after I had
Admonished them, but admonishing availed me naught

6. Take comfort, for grief has lingered overlong
And the scissors have fulfilled their purpose

7. No joy remains for returning warriors after Badr
Neither the living who visit them, nor the journey home

8. The winds that gust at nightfall remind me of Badr
Whenever a sandstorm rises on one of its evenings

9. Whenever we have guests, we do not feed them
The dwelling makes a guest content with mere hospitality

10. And when our guests rouse us, we remember him
How then could I forget him in the fleeting world?

11. A youth who in his prime shared out the fat
When none would give freely or share willingly

12. When misfortune befell, his face shone
In good times and bad, in ease and hardship

13. I remembered Badr when it was said to the knowing:
"He has changed" - Oh how my soul yearns for Badr!

14. Whenever it crosses my mind, a teardrop
Flows down my throat and wets my chest

15. I was no weeping woman, but memories
Of his gentle nature and name stir me

16. My eyes, I thank you for what you have done
And you deserve my thanks for shedding tears for me

17. I asked you to make me happy, and you were
Two fountains, quenching my thirst drop by drop

18. When despair cured me of want for him
You made excuses - no, the best of excuses!

19. I forbade you from mocking me, and you
Were patient after despair had covered me in dust