A tribute to the fallen Somali soldiers of Somalo-Ethiopian war (1977-78). All 6,453 of them: Ah, we are soldiers of a different generation. We have fought and died, and are long forgotten. We didn’t wish to die, when we heard that clarion cry. Our souls still wander beneath the soil where our lifeless bodies anchored. […]
Nov 18 2015
Dhalinyaro (Youth) – Xaaji Aadan Af-Qalooc
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 […]
Jun 29 2015
Hooyo (Mother) – Abwaan Axmed Nuur Yuusuf
“Hooyo” is a poem-turned-song by Ahmed Nur Yusuf, born in Baargaal (Bari region) in 1938. Ahmed was a teacher and a prominent poet at the Ministry of Education and Training. He devised this poem to highlight the essence of motherhood: Oh mother, [the wheels of] worldly affairs you inject with your resilient strength Unwavering love […]
Dec 4 2014
Poem – Professor Frederick W. Hickling (1979)
The following poem (dedicated to the Somali people) was recited by the renowned Pan-African Jamaican academic: Professor Frederick W. Hickling in Mogadishu in 1979. I saw you When I returned From whence I came I heard you When the wind Whistled by my head And called me by my name. I saw your star of […]
Dec 3 2014
Sheekh Axmed Gabyow – Dariiq (Right Path)
Sheekh Axmed Gabyow (1844 – 1933) recited the following poem that is said to have inspired the Somali armed uprising against Italian occupation in Warsheekh (1891): Soomaali aan u dagaallamaynaa Kuwa dulmaaya la dood galeyna Kufriga soo dagay diida leenahay Dabeysha mawdka intey i daandeyn Hilibka duud cunin oonan deeb noqan Dadka tusaan danihiisa leenahay […]
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