1. In it I saw lightning flash when it leapt,
Like the flutter of an eye or a pounding heart,

2. Then the morning breeze blew it along as if
In it were flashes of lightning like shooting stars.

3. Weeping yet its lightning laughs,
Connected to the ground, its poles cast down.

4. As if it and its thunder were seeking refuge,
Sheltering its weeping with loud clamor.

5. It came with darkly lined eyes and left
Wiping away copiously flowing tears.

6. When its lightning bared itself its deficiency appeared
Like the belly of a courageous man on a quaking dune.

7. At times you see it as if it were
A piebald horse when its entirety leapt.

8. And at times you imagine it when it appears
As polished golden chains.

9. And the night softened and its stars listened
As dawn urged itself on before it could peer out

10. Intercepting with its dawn a night
Like a grey mare with dark lips.

11. Until when its water soaked the earth
And it tired those who were angry recoiled.

12. As if it were a party of Khums that the heroes
Had judged against so they fled.

13. The day I plunge into battle, I, a learned one, know
The hand of death will strike the seeker.

14. How many deadly plunges where survival is feared
Have I slipped through like a thread through a needle’s eye.

15. Until when it was said my blood was shed
I emerged from it with a bloodstained sword.

16. Death is better for a youth than to see
An unjust time that shifts however it desires.

17. And a companion who woke me with his cup
As dawn had shone, its brightness pierced the dark.

18. I have no excuse in my will or determination,
Both are equal from hoary hair or hair not gone white.

19. To what ends shall I run after having seen
My peers who have become dust?

20. I have worn every mask of time,
What life can I yearn for and seek?

21. A slim gracefully gliding steed
As if it were a raging fire flaming up.

22. If you see it facing you,
It seems to rise up from the earth like a hillock.

23. Bare of clothing, it rends the earth,
Its hooves pouring forth what it rends.

24. It makes peace with the earth when it gallops
But with rocks it clashes wildly.

25. You’d think it was adorned by its rider
But truly it adorns him when ridden.

26. Swifter than its glance when it neighs,
More obedient than its rein when pulled.

27. It reaches what the wind reaches but cannot reach
What it reaches when sought.

28. With a forelock that combs its brow
And ears like upright spears.

29. A look as if it has great timidity
And a docked tail sweeping its rear.

30. With nostrils through which its breaths have not worn holes
And which have not failed it in exertion.

31. It sends them forth as nostrils and they curl back
Toward a pounding heart.

32. It plunged on the day of battle in a scarlet saddlecloth
Shaded by maple trees and brambles.

33. In a flood where the mill of death
Spun and my patience for it was a pole.

34. And a night whose half was pressed
To my chest by my guest as the kindling ignited.

35. Fortune came to a lover whose praise
Pours with the scattering of embers.

36. Who sees surrendering splendor as protecting his honor
And makes surplus his provision in what it grants.