Sol 6

  1. At Rabigh I visited an abandoned campsite, altered by time.

    Its traces would not remain unchanged.

  2. They had faded, save for dark marks still standing.

    Their blackness scattered, ragged and startled.

  3. Its inhabitants gathered around a sturdy male ostrich,

    Which shed loose feathers from its plump body.

  4. When it cried out, its voice rasped in a harsh call,

    Then rang aloud and followed with another call.

  5. There were male ostriches, white in their hollowed places,

    And wide-eyed creatures grazing its greenery.

  6. I halted my companions there at midday,

    Holding back the tears of my eyes from flowing.

  7. Tell the people’s tale-bearers that I

    Will myself give them proof against me:

  8. I have given up my bond with Hind,

    And my affection for her has turned to forgetfulness.

  9. If I do what you wish concerning her,

    I have resisted her for a long time.

  10. May you bear no child, and may no man like me marry you,

    When the wind drives thin, retreating dust,

  11. And the land grows barren and turns gray,

    And the rain becomes scarce and slight.

  12. For if you ask the nobles of my people,

    When their war has brought forth a weanling calf,

  13. Do I not prepare a full coat of mail and a sturdy horse,

    And a famous, polished, double-edged blade?

  14. I pardon their foolish men and welcome

    The words of one among them whom I consider a friend.

  15. Beside the mountain pass, he presses me when

    One troop has gone through it and he sees another.

  16. We are a people who came forth as kings,

    Who loosen the shackles of the bound.

  17. Whenever you come to our gathering place, you will find us

    Great, generous chiefs and seasoned elders,

  18. And young men who, when alarmed, put on

    Full coats of mail with trailing hems.

Sol 6