The single garment of patience that was still left with us, we ended up tearing even that to shreds.

Here, patience is pictured as a noble robe ('qaba')—the very last shield preserving one's inner composure and dignity against a storm of grief. Yet, in an overwhelming moment of despair or longing, even that final defense is torn to shreds, leaving the lover completely defenseless. It is an aching, intimate confession of having finally broken down after holding back tears and heartbreak for far too long.