Poem: A Specter Visited Me After Dinner
The poet Ibrahim bin Jalq composed this elegy in memory of his late wife:
A specter visited me after dinner, saying: Pay attention, O “Shait,” one like you should not slumber.
Had you known what I came to know, you would surely have ceased to rest for twenty years.
I said: I will inquire of you by the Lord of the Messenger. What transpired, O Shait, that is so foul?
He replied: “You are at peace, O tender youth, drink from a cup filled with the meadows of the doves.”
I questioned: What horrors did you witness? Whose words do you trust, that are thus wrapped in ambiguity?
He replied: “I passed by on Saturday at the door, where the crowds were gathered, a wave of dread overcame me and I pushed the Messenger for knowledge.”
He told me: “Say nothing about tomorrow.” May the Lord of the heavens grant him a good ending.
I beheld with my own eyes the setting sun, and the path was forbidden for them.
I listened to his mother when they were removing the veil and the Al-Khazaari and the crescent moons were mourning with voices.
I heard her say: “If only Abu Wadha could unveil her.” They prepared her and then raised her in a gentle manner.
Embraced between the dignitaries and the families, the fragments of those lost in thought had lost their reason.
Let silence prevail in mourning and in safety, and include him in the prayer, with the worthy.
All hands folded behind the Imam, praying to God for acceptance, a garden where one would enjoy a fine standing.
And they hurriedly prepared for him a grave, long as his standing and two handbreadths wide.
Five of them lowered him, a tribute from the people of rank, wrapped in elegant silk.
They placed within him the finest relics and adorned him with lamps.
They set aside the markers for him and then swiftly returned, while the meadow stood empty to the east of his resting place.
In a spacious garden vulnerable to torrents, between Ibn Sirin and noble associates, I witnessed with my eyes the deer roam.
They rushed to his grave with love and completeness, while the wild animals fled from every area.
They encircled his grave with fond embrace, and the mourning doves cried out in sorrow.
And the birds had gathered from every direction, casting a shadow over him with clouds.
What affliction had struck him at such a time? How could one find comfort in sleep’s embrace?
I stood terrified and confronted him, saying: Enough, O cursed one, of further words.
I averted my gaze and gathered the remnants of my resolve, restoring dignity to my sagging trousers.
I sought solace in a tranquil demeanor, even as my heart turned with despair.
O friend, I cannot expect relief elsewhere. For no other woman can match my sorrow.
Lose not the beauty of life, O tender youth, for your wife is in a dark grave.
I would not have thought that the moon’s glow could fade. How can the full moon be buried beneath the soil?
If the Messenger of Death were to plead for mercy, the marketplaces of pearls would have been crowded to fulfill their desires.
Abandon reproach, O accuser. If only you knew my plight, you would not blame me.
Printed papers will not lift me from this weakness; my body and bones are depleted.
Since the comfort of luxury has vanished, my body shows signs of wear.
How can one chide me for blame or for dishonor when I have endured this ailment for long?
There remains no plan or remedy for me; perhaps by God’s will, patience will ease my complaint.
None but God provides, and He is the support for the oppressed. I ask God, by the Prophet and the Blessed Virgin,
and by the mountains and the sacred house, to grant me patience, and may my ailment subside,
for I invoke the Lord who offers kindness without seeking a reward.
In conclusion, I extend my blessings of peace upon the Messenger, the intercessor for the best of mankind.
A specter visited me after dinner, saying: Pay attention, O “Shait,” one like you should not slumber.
Had you known what I came to know, you would surely have ceased to rest for twenty years.
Note: Other poems can be rephrased similarly for further improvement and formatting. Let me know if you wish to proceed with that or any specific ones.