1. I do not listen to blame, blame has no place for my ear,
I refrained from passion and wine,

2. And turned away from youth—it's no more my own.
In the end all things pass away.

3. I saw time diminishing daily
The strength of continuity’s rope and every year.

4. Some of us are killed by others’ palms
And between us the sword of defenders is sharpened.

5. And in battles where I married death
To an army raging, wildly attacking,

6. And young men answering the fates
When they're angry with their noble selves.

7. And a gazelle, crooked, swerving,
Quick striding, rising on the reins—

8. An immigrant the stallions defend against,
Zebras from the meadows like ostriches.

9. Raising over the riders’ heads a sun
Like the horns’ points with the sharp swords.

10. I cut its talk with patient beings
The like of which exist, and the day grows hot.

11. They greet the shadows at every tear
Like the winkers greeting peace.

12. Earth flung it at earth then earth
Like the tribe's casting of arrows.

13. I refused injustice—the power of a hand and patience
When the protector meets protector.

14. That my house is in the heights
Where the wire fits in sequence’s beads.