The Light of Truth — Page 189
A QAŞIDAH ON GOOD VERSUS EVIL They come like predators with piercing fangs; They create discord like a dog that barks, preparing to fight. They were wolves that spotted a solitary lamb, Bound by its grief, in the wilderness. You see the bellies of the mischief-makers; Like water-skins, stretched full with all their illicit gains. Their horses trampled our necks, Until we were crushed like decaying bones. A stream of tears flowed from our eyes, As though it were the blood red sap that runs from the Brazil-wood tree when it is pressed. So I rose to counsel them, but how can my guidance benefit, A wild people, vain like bloated louts? 189