As Little As

As little as another dollar

makes a difference, he’s not even a scholar

doing his maths, thinking “what do I need in need”

parents raising the offspring, the future seed

generous is another spoonful for supper

Bismillah, let them be filled for another

day, fading characters teach you how to live

“if you don’t learn how to survive here, life becomes brief.”

from abroad flies in hope and the monthly support

awaited to ease her conscience and to distort

all the worries, we live and plan for the day

fetch water, trade semolina with rice

Somali bariis garnished with sukhar tastes really nice

from every cabin rises the scent of a different dish

when the sun sets they come together, their ideas of bliss

Insh’Allah, let them believe in a brighter tomorrow

they don’t show it on TV, a sincere smile shows no sorrow

following their daily routine

let me describe another scene.

As little as another dollar

makes a difference, she’s not even a scholar

following her dreams, a future for her offspring

drought might bring hardship, or have a sing

they stand up and take care of their elders

Alhamdulillah, let them be satisfied, while you render

their custom and culture into your language

their soul is singing and dancing, even if living conditions are savage

feel their rhythm and attitude towards life

and you might teach in the diaspora how to survive

“be grateful to what you have got”

you might take into account what you do and do not

“what do you need in need?”

as long you breathe and feed

the young and the old

confused about what you need to grab of a hold?

Masha’Allah, let them bless their stay

let them follow their path five times a day.

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