1. Build for death and construct for ruin
For you will all end up vanishing

2. For whom do we build when we ourselves
Will become dust as we were created from dust

3. Oh death, I see no escape from you
You are stubborn, you do not swerve or be partial

4. As if you have assaulted my old age
As old age assaulted my youth

5. And oh my world, why do I not see myself
Take you as a home except for moving from place to place

6. Lo, I see you give, my time
The world to me and hastily snatch it

7. You, oh time, are indeed prone to vicissitudes
You, oh time, are indeed prone to reversals

8. Why do I not milk a share from you
And praise the absent result of milking

9. Why do I not persist with you
Except you have brought worries to me from every door

10. I see you, even if sought in every manner
Like a dream's illusion, or shade of clouds

11. Or like yesterday which passed away in departure
And does not return, or like the mirage

12. And these people from you are on the summit
And all their feet are in the stirrups

13. And the promise of everyone with deeds and efforts
Is tomorrow, the abode of reward

14. I have worn sins like bones
As if I am safe from punishment

15. However long I remain in the world greedy
I am not guided to righteousness

16. I will be asked about matters in which I was
What then are my excuse and my answer

17. With what argument will I contend on the day of
Reckoning, when I am called to account

18. Two matters that clarify for me
In my book when I look in my book

19. Either I will abide in bliss
Or I will abide in torment