1. Has not this Yemeni lightning struck you,
Flashing as if it were a shining lamp?

2. As if it were mourning rites displayed for it
Whenever a fire raged in volcanic stones.

3. It crept away, warming the insides of tents,
Then the sides of hilltops and cannons.

4. The protectors knew that I
Am most valiant when summoned to thrust.

5. And a spear I left in the hands of a cunning man
Upon it Sabaean locks like purple dye.

6. He called me while horses stampeded,
I know not if he called me by my name or nickname.

7. Murmuring my nickname and drawling my name,
So-and-so one time, and son of so-and-so another.

8. My reply to him was that
I pulled on the compliant bridle.

9. The pillar of war did not weaken me,
But the passing of my time has.

10. Though youthfulness does not take my soul,
I will support you, O sons of Ma'dan.

11. With young men who, when terrified, recoil
With every angry and impetuous Yemeni.