1. O Ka'b, no people have departed or innovated
Except that death has a guide in their footsteps

2. O Ka'b, no sun has risen or set
Except to bring their appointed time closer

3. No good in living for one who, though alive
Has foes whose rancor and hatred do not fade

4. No people carry ill will toward their own
Except that death has a guide in their footsteps

5. O Ka'b, how many a protector of a people
Was struck down by lightning-like rebuke and warning

6. O Ka'b, be patient and do not despair for anyone
O Ka'b, none remains but the barren mountains

7. While we overturn souls and gather them up
Like the breaths of a rider or early walker passing by

8. You and I and the like strike them
In a moment of rebuke, toward nearness and distance

9. Like him who once chided in grievance:
"People are different, except for my ancestors!"

10. "Do not mourn me after death,
In life you gave me no provision for my journey"

11. Look to the course of fate you are leaving -
Did you ever rein in its loose ends?

12. If in a valley you meet a serpent, male,
Be still and let me practice the serpent's cunning.