Soomaali:

Gabaygan waxaa tiriyey Abwaan Cige Aw Cali. Gabaygan wuxuu inugu tusaaleynayaa Abwaanka heerarka kala duwan ee uu qofku maro, laga soo bilaabo markuu calloosha gali iyo ilaa uu ciroolenimo gaaro:

Markii hore Candhuuf baan ahaa Caano oo kale’e,
Markii xigey Casaan Dhiigahoo Cad iyo Jiidh yeeshay,
Markii xigey Calooshii Haween yaan ku cararaayey,
Markii xigey caweys baan dhashoo Cige la ii bixiyey,
Markii xigey culays hooyaday Cududahaan daashey,
Markii xigey Cuudkaan ceshoo caawiye ahaaday,
Markii xigey cayaar baan tego cayn walba u boodey,
Markii xigey Cawaa lay dhisoon Cawda kula loolay,
Markii xigey Caruur dhawr ah baa culuq naloo siiyey,
Markii xigey Caqlaa ii kordhoon Eebbe ka cabsooday,
Iminkana Cirraan yeeshayoo Coomir baan ahaye,
Allahayoow Cadaabta iga hay caaddil baad tahaye.

English:

This short poem was formulated by Ige Aw Ali. The poet provides an abstract view of the different kind of stages that a Somali nomad goes through, from his inception to old age:

I was first like a milky saliva,
Then the sap formed my shapeless body,
Then my mother’s womb became my playground,
Then the night I was born, I was named Ige,
Then I tired my mother’s arms with my weight,
Then I pulled my weight and became a helper,
Then I frequented all the [dance] gatherings and danced every mode,
Then I chose a bride and established my home,
Then we were blessed by God with several children,
Then I gained experience [attained old age] and feared my Lord [became more pious],
Now, I am an old man, full of gray hair,
Oh Allah (God), please save me from any punishment for you are al-‘Adl (The Just).