1. I tend to my garden early, O Thuria, but I see not
My friend greeting me with songs over the heights of the acacias,

2. And I call him “my joy,” but he answers me not,
Though once when I called him in a whisper he answered.

3. And when I asked the acacias about him they were convulsed,
Their bending branches telling of one bereaved.

4. Tempests came over the garden and broke
Boughs from the date-palms; they fell onto branches.

5. Creatures came to mourn my friend but did not say
He had died; they said, “He has gone to another.”

6. A little fledgling sought refuge in me, frightened;
I reared him in my love and care.

7. When my heart called to this neighbor of mine, he came;
When thirsty I gave him drink from between my lids.

8. I tended him before he had feathers, but when
His wings grew he flew from me and deserted me.