Sol 6

  1. I sang as a boy whom time punished with affliction.

    And tears from my eyes pour down my cheeks.

  2. And blood has mingled with the clouds of my tears.

    Upon my cheek, now covered by gray hair.

  3. O fire in my heart, whenever I say you will go out,

    A flame rises for you within my ribs.

  4. It rises in the heart of the lovesick one who has suffered

    From distance, separation, and exile.

  5. Time, treacherous and deceitful, betrayed the young man.

    And how strangely it changed those who had kept him company.

  6. It raises a young man until it sets him on the brink,

    Then turns against him and brings him down step by step.

  7. You who trust time, be on your guard.

    How much bitterness and sweetness time contains!

  8. Before Noah and after the age of the Companions,

    Time's way, everyone has said, is flawed.

  9. Whoever trusts this world will taste its disappointments,

    And surely his thoughts and hopes will fail.

  10. Even if time grows fair, it will break what one expects of it.

    The days have no dear and faithful friend.

  11. Some days hold bitterness like Socotran aloe,

    And some days hold sugar mixed with milk.

  12. Some days hold an evil that blinds the eyes;

    It overtakes a person and leaves him sick and worn.

  13. Some nights you sleep a peaceful sleep,

    And some nights you sleep on hard ground.

  14. The days grow clear for a young man, then turn troubled.

    How many men have found their span cut short!

  15. The days conceive, and the days give birth,

    Bringing forth children without sires.

  16. They bear wonders for people everywhere;

    If children understood them, their hair would turn gray.

  17. How many capable men are kept from authority,

    And how many lesser men become judges over people!

  18. And they elevate him after he had been like a pearl among men,

    And say, “So-and-so has become distinguished today.”

  19. These are the turns and wonders of time;

    Its rule falls upon people, willing or unwilling.

  20. In my thoughts I have weighed all kinds of men:

    At times my judgment errs, and at times it proves right.

  21. Among them is one whose deeds you find pleasing;

    And among them is one who disappoints when tested.

  22. Among them is a lion, fierce and ready for combat;

    And among them are hyenas, and wolves as well.

  23. Among them is a wanderer who slaughters freely among the people;

    Once he is full, he says, “Let matters slide.”

  24. Among them is one who bears his burden through hardship;

    And among them are rabble who make the burden heavier.

  25. Among them is one who seems like a shimmering mirage,

    Yet has no standing worthy of mention or blame.

  26. Among them is a discerning, sensible, well-mannered man;

    If he addresses you, he speaks with wisdom.

  27. Among them is a generous soul who does not begrudge a gift;

    He gives even when the years are barren.

  28. And among them is a miser who demands a penny from his neighbor;

    Yet some among them honor you when you come seeking help.

  29. Among them is a daring fighter who breaks horses with his spear,

    Like al-Zanati, and an even better horseman than Shabib.

  30. And among them is one like a startled ostrich, his hand held out;

    He has no share even in the praise given to the fortunate.

  31. Among them is a donkey, with a thick, muddled head;

    And among them is a pest, more shameless than gray hair.

  32. Among them is a liar whose words you should beware of believing;

    And among them is a man who is a harsh, cutting blade.

  33. Among them is one to whom death is easier than giving;

    To him, miserliness and stinginess are no disgrace.

  34. If you tell him, “So-and-so, this calls for money,”

    He says, “Money will not settle a request.”

  35. Among them is Samawi, devoted always to God,

    A reader of books, a noble and honorable leader.

  36. In these days, complaints have multiplied;

    Your Lord watches over the world and calls it to account.

  37. After this, you there, take my message,

    Abu Rashid, and be discerning and wise.

  38. Send it by telegraph, and understand its words;

    For the spirit of lightning, what is far away is near.

  39. The end of the telegraph line is the town of al-Suwayda;

    Greet its people warmly and at length.

  40. Greet all my Druze kin,

    From Buraq and Sanad to Milh and Taghrib.

  41. From Damat al-Ulya to Dhibayn, greet them:

    The young men and those whose cheeks have turned gray.

  42. And greet all those in Hauran,

    Bedouin and townspeople, and the stranger who has settled there.

  43. Greetings from one who longs for all of you,

    From one who has become a lone reed among the Turks.

  44. May God have mercy on you and show kindness to you,

    And free you from a people who torment you.

  45. By the standing of the chosen Prophet, the House, and the sanctuary,

    May He make your enemies depart and vanish.

  46. Wake quickly to their treachery, my companions;

    The wise have spoken remarkable words:

  47. A hard stone cannot be reared, nor can sand be kneaded,

    And what has already been tried needs no further trial.

  48. I close my words by praying blessings upon the Prophet,

    The beloved; and whoever blesses him is beloved.

  49. May He bring our affairs to a good end and reunite us,

    And bring near the release of those who are absent.

Sol 6