If you are an Apostle, whose name is engraved on the Tablet of Martyrs,
then I am the devouring lion, poised in front of you in the ring.
Dream as you wish of the Gardens of Paradise
as I am gnashing your limbs to the bone.
Oh, do not curse me, since you know very well
that we both have to do
our destined duties together in the world.
Ascend then joyful, victorious to Eternal heaven,
while I, the lion of the forest,
continue roaring on this earth
and devouring all of the saints.

By Fadhil al-Azzawi
Translated by Saadi A. Simawe and Ralph Savarese