عمر الفتى يقصر ما طالا

وعزمه ينقص ما صالا

A young man's life, however long, is brief

And his resolve, however firm, is weak

وربما قال بأمهاله

ويومه كذب ما قالا

Perchance he says he'll do thus and so

But time belies what vows he'd speak

فلا تغرنك هذي الدنا

فلم تُدم من حالها حالا

So let not this life deceive or cheat

For none of its states will last

وخل ما يلهيك من مالها

فأنه كالظل ما مالا

Leave what distracts you of its wealth

For it's like a shadow, none outlasts

وكل ما نوليكه زائل

والعيش ان دام وما زالا

All we're given is bound to go

And life, however long, won't eternal flow

وعش بميسور فأكدى الورى

من صحب الآمال والمالا

Live with ease, most sage choice to make

Not chasing dreams or money's fake

فحاجة الأنسان ما اعتاضه

من ملبس أو مأكل نالا

Man only needs what clothes and food

Or tools that make his works good

أو نائل يصلح اعماله

فربما قد ساء أعمالا

More than this, we're laden ever

With burdens heavy, ceasing never

وغير هذا فعنا دائم

صاحبه يحمل أثقالا