My English rendition of Xaaji Aadan Af-qalooc’s (1862 – 1986) famous poem towards the Somali youth, the upcoming generations:

Once the tree is dried up and devoid of any leaves,
New leaves blossom from the empty spots, resetting the cycle
and they rejuvenate the tree, establishing its purpose
When the parents reach old age and pass away
Their remaining children ensure the uncertain future
When Aadam and Xaawo and this temporary world were created
So mankind and flora multiplied and filled the empty world
And in plain error are those youngsters who deviate from our [Somali] customs
O ye boys and girls, you are the future of this community
Your ailing elders are sailing through life with fragility
You have inherited the responsibility of your people and your country
Cater for them and be their pillar of life and strength
Empty pleasure and idleness eats away your precious time
For wasted time will fill you with tears and regret

Hadduu geed engego xaabadaa laga idlaystaaye
Mid yar oo iniintiisa ahbaa soo awaal baxa e
Isagaa anfaaciga hadhkiyo oodda kaafiya e
Dadkana odaygu goortuu ka baxo iyo islaantiisu
Ubadkooda hadhabaa tabcoo aayatiin hela e
Markii Aadam iyo Xaawa iyo keynta la abuuray
Sidaasay arwaaxdiyo dhirtuba ku isiraayeene
Umaddaan shabaabkeedu hanan waa u ayaan xuma e
Inamiyo hablahaba waxaad tihiin aarankii kacaye
Itaal gabe dadkiinii hore waydin aragtaane
Idinkaa amaanada xilkii eeggan qaabilaye
Iskaa wax u qabsada noloshu waa udub dhexaadkiiye
Israafkiyo fadhigu waa waxaad ku anbanaysaane
Axmaqnimo wakhtiga kaaga tagay oohin kugu reebye