1. We walk, but our steps lead only to our death
We perish, as if our life had not been long

2. Living warns us of death from the start
Yet we desire days and dynasties

3. The dove comes, and man forgets his death
The most stubborn disease makes one forget hope

4. Misfortunes undo our lives bit by bit
So we try to be patient, though they have seized us forcefully

5. Do not think life is long, so you can waste it
Oh how close is the nape to the throat!

6. We escape from seeking this life and yet
The days hunt us down with spears of death

7. Bored of life, we realize we won’t last long
Sickness makes death lighter to bear

8. Death calls the coward - he has no song
Bareback, away from horses and camels

9. The hero surrenders with one last prayer
Walking on eggshells and blood and sand dunes

10. Death takes me from my house and I follow
Having been defeated by the tips of my worn-out spear

11. A person seeks his destiny and meets it
Having escaped the striking of eggs and spears

12. No one is safe from demise
Nor is anyone destined to live forever

13. The youth cries though people’s words console him
His tears flow between chiding and forgiveness

14. In the eyelids, the tears do not flow
In the hearts, passion does not connect

15. Rarely fully happy, life bids farewell
As time hangs the deceived with worries

16. Do not doubt that you are in time’s hands
You are hostage to fate - it is out of your control

17. The dove returns again after some have passed
Until sorrow waters you from the streams

18. Those who die do not meet those who live
So face each misfortune without too much sorrow

19. All who cry for something they are losing
Must force laughter and joy to follow

20. How close is ardor to the heart and liver!
How far is company from a house and ruins!

21. Reason consoles better than uncontrolled grief
Patience takes away torment better than death

22. God has watered dust, gathering up the greatest of them
Dragged over slopes, roaring, on the sand dunes

23. And lightning still splits the clouds
That hide them on the passing horizon

24. And whenever the morning breeze passes it
It does not stir the dust with its slow walk

25. Oh earth, why make excuses for one whose person you have swept away
Among family, visitors, and friends

26. Did you want the desert to veil his sunrise?
Was he not already veiled from the horizon before?

27. A body singled out for shrouds replaces them
Since it left life, instead of fine clothes

28. And a shroud as bright as moonlight shining
So the earth becomes more worthy than wrappings

29. The worst clothes are those you cannot take off
And the grave is the abode of an unmoving neighbor

30. Death spares no one whose time has passed
No matter if he walked boldly or stumbled

31. Death cannot be warded off by stinginess or generosity
By cowardice or drunkenness, or by heroism

32. Destiny forgets no one
And time neglects no death

33. We are busy with our fading lifetime
Each of us hanging by a thread

34. And we enjoy ripe hopes
Like one drinking poison mixed with honey

35. We hope for eternity though days are passing
Some of our dreams being pure delusion

36. I am content with the thorns of this life
We have accepted a kiss from the beautiful one

37. This is solace - though you grieve, do not wonder
Weeping matches the gravity of the immense calamity

38. How can we reproach one who weeps for his dead
When we cry over our former days?