Venice masks

Thursday, 11 May 2023

Lament for my Brother - al-Khansāʾ

What have we done to you, death
that you treat us so,
with always another catch
one day a warrior
the next a head of state;
charmed by the loyal
you choose the best.
Iniquitous, unequalling death
I would not complain
if you were just
but you take the worthy
leaving fools for us.

Fifty years among us
upholding rights
annulling wrongs,
impatient death
could you not wait
a little longer.
He still would be here
and mine, a brother
without a flaw. Peace
be upon him and Spring
rains water in his tomb
but
could not you wait
a little longer
a little longer,
you came too soon.

al-Khansāʾ [Tumāḍir bint ʿAmr ibn al-Ḥārith ibn al-Sharīd al-Sulamīyah] (c.575 - c.646) Saudi Arabia
Translated by Omar Pound
Source: Poetry Lover

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