1. How often have I wandered among the ruins
Until the traces became mounds of debris

2. So ask the ruins, do not ask the mounds
For ruins are more articulate than mounds to lament

3. As for youth, it made me weep when it departed
It said, “Weep if you want for one who has departed”

4. So I said, “After you, are there still ample days
Or not, for what has come to me has narrowed the paths”