1. The maid with delicate fingers is now alone,
In a virgin abode whose dwellers are gone.

2. It lies in a Hijazi waste, abandoned
By grazing herds and the rains from high heaven.

3. Still, it once had a lover, and many a friend
Shared its lush meadows, and peace without end.

4. But let that go! What occupies me instead
Is a gentle dear one when night comes to bed,

5. A disheveled sweetheart so stricken with grief
No healing can offer her heart relief—

6. As if she were hiding, shy as a fawn,
In a home perfumed honey and wine.

7. Or the taste of an apple whose pulp is just pressed
Gives a flavor and fragrance she loves the best!

8. When talk turns to liquor served golden and red,
Their bouquet is the life she would gladly shed.

9. We blame not the ruby, however it stings,
When sickness or sores are the suffering it brings.

10. But drink it we do, and like lions we reign,
Our courage through battle no clash can restrain.

11. Ignore us, and we shall be forced to the fight!
Victory comes when God gives His light.

12. Show patience, if you can, for the day destined
When God aids whom He will, as His wisdom has planned.

13. God said He would send me a people to brace,
The Helpers, whose valor the foe could not face.

14. Each day we'sre provoked by some Meccan clan—
Insults, abuse, or the wounds that they inflict.

15. But we give rhymed meaning to those who offend,
And when blood is spilled out, that's where lines must end.

16. God said He has sent me, His servant, to speak
Truth when truth may bring healing, if ears will but seek.

17. My people gave witness to all I relayed,
Yet still you reply as you wish or want made.

18. Gabriel, trusted by God, is our aid,
The Spirit of Holiness knows no blockade.

19. Now bear to Abu Sufyan this word from me:
“You're empty inside, all froth, bluster and glee!”

20. You mocked dear Muhammad, and I have defended,
But God has prepared for such acts a repayment.

21. You mock, yet you have not a feather's worth weighed
Against the best man of all when the price must be paid.

22. You cursed a blessed soul, an anchorite gent,
God's own True Trustee whose honor was rent.

23. But whoever of you should mock God's own Messenger,
Or whether you help him or keep yourself clear,

24. My sire and my dam are a fortress to lock
Round Muhammad today against each vile mock.

25. Now vengeance shall wait upon Bano Lu'ayy
If I find that dear blood by their hands was let fly.

26. This gang helped attack us and bring us such pain,
Their blood on our hands shall repay it again!

27. By the pact of Harith's son Abi Dirar,
And the Quraysh treaty we hereby debar!

28. My tongue's sharp edge faultless shall carry the day.
My sea cannot be made turbid by dirt thrown its way.