Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PREACHER, by AL-MAHDI
First Line: Their shoulders you shook
Last Line: Not to cut with your own?

Their shoulders you shook
When they parted; but they
Completely forsook
You, when you went away.

Fine lessons you teach,
But yourself do not school;
Grand sermons you preach,
And remain still a fool.

How long will you whet
Others' swords on your stone,
Continuing yet
Not to cut with your own?