1. Every tear in the torn shirt
As if flayed skin on it, its tatters fluttering,

2. Continual darkness made him lean
Away from the saddle; his eyes, head, and joints bent.

3. I called out, "O vanquished ones! Is there a helper
For a corpse that nears the ground, leaning?"

4. He did not raise his eyes until I stood him up,
As if with weapons I were fighting him.

5. I gave him the strength that was in his marrow
With my ransom, while the night wrapped him in its dark shadows.

6. My shining sword long delayed me.
My concern pierced through to his inner heart.

7. A she-ostrich saw me; I bared her back for a year,
While my concerns found no rest for their mounts.

8. Vultures left them no remainder
On a constant morning raid and its evening returns.

9. They warded off from the clinging ribs
Ravens descending on them.

10. So if you accompany us, shining sword, you will share
Your prayers in the empty wilderness, its valleys winding,

11. The places where partridges fall on their knees,
At dawn the color of roses, its thorns entwined,

12. And you will simmer eagerly on the back of a speeding she-camel,
Her front knee bare, her shoulders sturdy,

13. While we sniffed no wind on earth
Heading for tomorrow, until its shadows transferred.

14. The saddled beasts experience injustice, stirred up behind them
When destiny collided with its tilting misfortunes.