Poet of the Week: Sam Said

Would you please introduce yourself to the readers?

I am Samra and I live in London. I am charity aid worker for humanitarian causes. I am originally from Hargeisa.

When did you first start writing poetry and was there any particular incidents in your life that inspired you to write?

I wrote prose and poems from young age but never kept them in any journals, I think back in 2010 I first uploaded my poems on Facebook and in particular to Somali Writers and nation of poets page. I took part in the Ramadan competition and my "Troubled Soul" won the competition. It was later published on Scarf magazine. The inspiration to continue writing stemmed from that point onwards.

What does "being creative" mean to you?

I believe we are all creative human beings , we just need to reach deep within us and discover our abilities, be it in writing or sketching or knitting, or anything you set your mind to do.

What do you try to communicate with your poetry?

My poems translates my thoughts that are hidden somewhere on my mind to an online theatre production where there are no cast but an interactive audience that I seek their critical feedback before their applause. They mainly communicate healing process, grief and love on it's simplest terms. They are spiritual in nature and at time philosophical.

How do you find the motivation after a hiatus?

I write for me because I love what I do.

What is your writing process? Do you sit and think through every word of every stanza or do you just write freely and allow the words to flow?

I write most of my poems during my train journey, in Piccadilly line. I write free verses that stems from a thought or short lines.

Who are some of your favorite poets?

My writing are influenced by Arabic literature,my favourite poets are Mahmoud Darwish , Ahmed Mattar, and contemporary one are Tamim AlBargothi. Most recently been blessed to get access to the translated work of Hadraawi and Gaarriye, so their work bring my Somali voice to life.

What advice do you have for aspiring poets? Any word of advice for closet poets?

Accept affirmation and reach out to the creative soul within you

What does writing poetry do for you?

It enables me to use my free time wisely.

Anything else you would like to share?

I am still learning, drafting and reaching.

Poet of the week: Mohamed Ahmed [Poet of The Streetz (P.o.s)]

Would you please introduce yourself to the readers?

Asalamu Caleykium, my name is Mohamed Ahmed Shiekh. I was born in Kismayo and no it's not in America.

I'm a huge fan of TNP. I reside in South Africa at the moment. I'm not familiar with interviews and stuff so sorry if my intro is not quiet professional.

When did you first start writing poetry and was there any particular incidents in your life that inspired you to write?

Well let me be honest, I didn't see it coming, I was never a fan of poetry, I only used to run into certain sayings. 

I guess hip-hop played a major role. I wrote my first official piece in 2008 thanks to Ayan. The biggest incident that i remember was my grandmother running in the streets of Kismayo barefooted, she was trying to get a hold of me and my sister. It was a scary scene, the gun sounds and everything was horrible. That's the day I chose to be part of a generation that is willing to make a change.

What does "being creative" mean to you?

Freedom! Yes that's what being creative means to me. I mean God gave everyone some sort of powers to do things and creativity is surely the greatest freedom. My point is, you have the ability to create something negative or positive which is quiet amazing if you ask me. Having the ability to inspire someone is a priceless form of freedom.

What do you try to communicate with your poetry?

I communicate with myself and a team of dreams! When I come on TNP and start reading a poem from any of the writers I see myself thru it. Poetry means the world to me, it's a communication between my heart and mind, when my heart is about to give up (KNOCK KNOCK), there comes a little courage and hope from my mind through poetry and I just keep moving on.

What do you do when you go into a dry spell of some sort or how do you write another piece when you have been away from it for some time

Do you sit and think through every word of every stanza or do you just write freely and allow the words to flow?

It's a good question, well frankly, I just go on Youtube, listen to few tracks, reflect on the world e.g

How Somalia used to be. It also depends on the subject, I don't have to think of Somalia if my plan is to make a sister smile. I ran into a lot of people telling me 'Mohammed use the ancient words or make your words way stronger, you write your poetry in ''SIMPLE WORDS''. I honestly sit there and write whatever that comes to my mind. In other words, I let the words flow.

Who are some of your favorite poets?

Definintly Black Ice!  The power and energy in his poetry is unbelievable also, he is not too mainstream. If you are a fan of Def Poetry then you know him well. Pablo Neruda is another one of my favorite poets.

What advice do you have for aspiring poets? Any word of advice for closet poets?

BE YOURSELF!!! Never let anyone dictate your vision, The power is yours. Poetry is a beautiful thing it's some sort of spiritual power, use it to heal not to hurt.

What does writing poetry do for you?

Writing poetry makes me feel like the superman that Somalia needs without the webs and the scary stuff

It's a wonderful feeling i have no words to answer this question.

Anything else you would like to share?

Everyone was born to Worship the Almighty God after that we are all given the ability to do things. Such as to move and touch things but when you depart people will remember not only your name but what you have left behind. Remain positive in order to meet greatness. The best weapon to use against those who envy you is success

Poet of the week: Hyder Noor

Would you please introduce yourself to the readers? 

Hi , erm my name is Hyder. No really it is Hyder NOOR HYDER. Its an original Somali name, it means a lion's cub. My dad believes in conserving the Somali names heritage, we shouldn't all be arabized, I quote!!! 

When did you first start writing poetry and was there any particular incidents in your life that inspired you to write?

I started reading poems when I was young. Wow I read a LOT! When kids my age were chasing skirts I was chasing me some books at the library. I got to admit what influenced me to write poetry was the author Robert Frost 'The hopeless romantic'. You will notice the tragedies in my poems sometimes all stem from his influx! Edgar allen Poe and Walt Whitman also influenced me. The first time I read 'The ballad of reading gaol' by Oscar Wilde I was sure that poems were a means for my unsocial behavior to change its course of history on paper. That poem has BLOOWN ME AWAY "Yet each man kills the thing he loves,/By each let this be heard,/Some do it with a bitter look,/Some with a flattering word,/The coward does it with a kiss,/The brave man with a swordHeavy words"

What does "being creative" mean to you?

I believe being creative means switching your phone off, going out of the house and really look at the world our Lord Allah has built and maintained. Observe the fresh air, the dazzling sun , our natural surrounding! Every sunday I had a tradition of sitting alone in Trafalgar Square with a good book and watching people pass me by, this helped me get creative. The problem with our society nowadays, is we don't appreciate THE FRIGGING WORLD!! 

What do you try to communicate with your poetry?

I communicate with myself in my poetries , its like an autobiography, my facebook is my diary per se. I write for me and no one else. Critiquing is for the narrow minded people not getting the point that maybe some things were written for them to judge. My dark beautiful fantasies belong on paper and sometimes people can come and share them. I don't really care to be honest.

Who are some of your favorite poets?

My favourite poet Robert frost FULL STOP. He's the man!!!

What does writing poetry do for you?

Writing poetry makes me feel solely alone in the universe just my pen and I on a intergalactic stellar flight through space and time continuum writing fantastic words free flowing from my lips directly blown on paper 

Anything else you would like to share? 

I would like to tell my fellow somali poets, ask not what your adopted country can do for you, ask what your natural country can do for you. Or else just tick the other option on the ethnicity survey they give on aeroplanes nowadays like i do.

Poet of the week: Ismail Mohamed

What is your name? Where do you live; where do you consider home? 

My name is Ismail Mohamed and I am 22 years old. I currently live in a town called Umeå, which is located in the northern part of Sweden. But I was raised in Gothenburg. A hard question seeing as how I left Somalia at the age of 2 , so I would say that my heart is in Somalia but my body is in Sweden , that's sounds fair right ? Lol. 

Do you remember the first time you wrote a poem and what was it about? Who was the first person you shared it with?

The first time I wrote a poem was when I was 19 years old. I read a book by Scott Peterson titled Me against my Brother. The book was about conflicts in East Africa and how countrymen in Sudan, Rwanda and Somalia killed each other . It explains the main cause of murder amongst brothers in these countries . I remember reading the book and drawing inspiration from it ,I even named my first poem after the book. The poem is about two brothers named Osman and Dahir who have the same mother but different fathers. They both come from different tribes so when the War comes they end up in a conflict. I actually uploaded the poem directly to this page. 

The themes prominent in your poems are often related to politics and Africa;what inspires you to explore these two themes in most of your poems?

 I try to write about subjects I find important or relevant, whether it be about Africa or the revolution in Chile or Malcolm X. Subjects that have shaped history and the world we live in. I read a lot and try to collect as much information about these ''highlights'' in history and incorporate them into my poems. I especially read about Africa and its history because a believe its history has been distorted and we don't receive the whole truth. 

I have noticed a pattern with your writing - you generally take long breaks between poems - what causes this? Do you just stop writing or life happens ;)

Lol , you have been very observant. It depends on whether or not I feel I have something to write about. Most of the things I care about I have already written down and submitted to this page . I would almost say that I have reached my limit as a ''poet''.

Where do you seek your inspiration for your poems after a long gap of not not writing?

It depends , I don't have to be in a certain mood or a certain place to be inspired.  

What is your writing process like? Do you edit a lot? Do you freestyle?

Sometimes it takes me hours to write a poem while on different occasions I can be done in a couple of minutes. I always try to make the last word in each sentence rhyme so it takes awhile. 

Who are some of your favorite poets?

Don't really have a favorite poet but my favorite poem is Rudyard Kipling's poem If. 

What advice do you have for aspiring poets? Any word of advice for closet poets?

I still don't consider myself a poet so if anything I would say seek inspiration and write it down.

Poet of the week: Nimo Hussein

Would you please introduce yourself to the readers? 

My name is Nimo Hussein, and I am a British Somali. I was actually born in Hargeisa but raised in London by my birth mother's sister- who is also my mother- the familial joys of being Somali . I studied History as my BA and MA with research focusing on gender in African societies. I like how old things teach us about new things. I especially love to understand how gender constructs inform who we think we have to be.

Do you remember the first time you wrote a poem and what was it about? Who was the first person you shared it with?

I was 9 years old the very first time I wrote a poem for school. I was surprised to have won a competition and was presented an award by our mayor. All for a very cringey poem about racism ('Racism is bad, it's much more than sad, so don't do this it's totally mad'- my brain refuses to remember the rest as there's only so much embarrassment I can take.)

Your poems speak on variety of topics but one theme that you have consistently and passionately written about is women. You have written about the issue of FGM, about Somali women, about Somali mothers, etc --- what inspires this?

Being a woman is a very big part of who I was taught to be. Much of the conditions of joy and despair of Somalis is tied very closely to womanhood and femininity and how that instructs the idea, and assertion, of masculinity. For me FGM is one of the most important topic for Somalis to discuss and ultimately eradicate. Female Genital Mutilation is not about religion, or history, or culture. It is about making men feel like men. We stand before God Himself and tell Him that He didn't do a good enough job on the bodies of women; that it is up to us to fix His design. And for that little girls die, and mothers die in childbirth and women dread their wedding night and live their entire lives being ripped, cut, sewn, ripped, cut, sewn. This isn't something our elders did that we're getting rid of. In Britain we have 20,000 girls at risk every year, many of whom are Somali. This is a real problem and needs to be talked about. There is a war on the bodies of little girls and we really can't expect a positive nation to spring from such a disgusting act.

I do try not only to challenge however, but also to celebrate, for there is so much resilience and power in Somali womanhood. My mother and father have very different accounts of what life was like when the war started in Hargeisa and they had to flee to Ethiopia. My father through no fault of his own was demoralized, dejected. My mother tells of thinking every single member of her family was murdered but realizing that at the age of 18 years old with only one biological son, she was responsible for the lives of her sibling's children. She would get up before fajr prayer in the camp and make tea (straining the dirty water with a head wrap) and laxoox to sell. This became her business, with which she saved enough money to save the lives of 15 of us. The very fact I am alive is testimony to the strength and the power of Somali mothers. This is why Somali women are a central theme in my writing. In the midst of all the reports of famine and war and disease and war and pirates and war and clans and war, the story of that soldier in the middle holding it all together is never really covered. I am trying to cover it.

what do you do when you go into a dry spell of some sort or how do you write another piece when you have been away from it for some timeDo you sit and think through every word of every stanza or do you just write freely and allow the words to flow?

Writing has really always been something I do, never something that I think. I don't really know where it's going to end up when I first start writing. Many times, I am embarrassed of the product but I always use the same method. I just write. I write a lot that I never share. Some poems and stories, some plots and characters are really about healing myself and I am not yet brave enough to heal with an audience. So I share the work that is general; that is about topics and things in my head and sometimes my heart, but never my fears or heartbreaks. Not yet. I haven't written any poems for a little while and it is always so hard for me to get back into the swing of it when I've left so many words unwritten. But with my dry spells, I can't force myself out of them. The writing will happen. The only sad part is perhaps the stories I neglected to tell in my absence might have been the most needed. I just haven't yet learned how to master myself and my craft to make it work when I am not in the mood. 

Who are some of your favorite poets?

One of my favourite poets right now is the Def Poet StaceyAnn Chin. I don't always agree with everything she says but I believe in the power of her thoughts in art. She has passion and is a real social activist. You have to want to change something with your work and she is the embodiment of a revolution waiting in the wings.

But the all time greatest poet in my opinion is Hadrawi- the present occupant of the throne of the Nation of Poets. My parents always recited Hadrawi growing up, and his theme of nationalism and patriotism allowed me to grow up with a sense of pride in my Somaliness, even when it might not necessarily have been considered the 'cool' thing to be. Hats off to Maxahmed Ibrahim Warsame for an unrivaled talent. MashaAllah.

What advice do you have for aspiring poets? Any word of advice for closet poets?

My advice to closet poets is mainly that they may never know who might be healed by their work. It is difficult to understand the power of your words in someone else's life when you don't believe in that power yourself. But think, hasn't someone else's words touched you deeply? or given you clarity? or made you understand the world, or yourself, a bit better? If they can and have, why can't you? Having said that, some work could be about understanding yourself, and for that maybe you don't want, or need to share. That's ok too. But always write without fear.

Poet of the week: Asha Ali

Would you please introduce yourself to the readers?

My name is Asha Ali, I currently live in London  but my heart and soul reside in a coastal city of Somalia.

I hope someday soon that i will be able to relocate to Somalia and write under a tree somewhere. Although I am grateful for the privilege of living in the west, home is always where the heart is.

When did you first start writing poetry and was there any particular incidents in your life that inspired you to write?

I first started writing at the age of 15 and most of my poems were about love, or what i perceived it to be at that age. I was feeling many emotions which didn't seem to make any sense to me; writing became a form of liberation.

What does "being creative" mean to you?

Creativity to me means being unique in your approach to channel information, in a world where we are told what and how to think its important to maintain the strength to keep your identity. 

What do you try to communicate with your poetry?

I try to communicate issues that I am passionate about, there are so many ugly truths in the world which we can't change.  speaking about these issues is empowering.

What do you do when you go into a dry spell of some sort or how do you write another piece when you have been away from it for some time? Do you sit and think through every word of every stanza or do you just write freely and allow the words to flow?

I find  that poetry comes to me when I am not completely focused, I might be sitting on a bus and the best verses come to my head. There are times that I want to write about something but the words do not flow the way i want, in that instance I take a leave it and I am bound to find inspiration elsewhere.

Who are some of your favorite poets?

To be honest i do not  have any because I do not read the works of poets.

What advice do you have for aspiring poets? Any word of advice for closet poets?

Let your heart do the writing and let go of any fear.

Anything else you would like to share?

Sometimes we may be reluctant to speak about certain issues for fear of alienation, but if you hold back from speaking the truth you are selling yourself short.

Poet of the week: Mohamed Abdikadir (Stanza)

The US-based founder of ‘Somalia the Nation of Poets’, Halima Ahmed, conducted the following exclusive interview with the Sudan-based Somali prolific poet and novelist, Mohamed Abdikadir (Stanza), – the author of Haldoor and Single Kiss. Daud, whose bestselling books were published, released and launched in Sudan in 2012, is a published writer and his latest novel, The Beaming Blood, is to be released soon. He is the founder and the current Secretary General of Somali Poets Club in Sudan.

To begin with, Mohamed, welcome to ‘The Nation of Poets. Would you please introduce yourself to our respective readers?

Stanza: Well, first of all, I would like to thank you and "The Nation of Poets" for conducting this interview with me. I am deeply indebted to this creative poetical platform for publishing and promoting the most powerful poetry by the scattered English-speaking Somali contemporary poets who traversed from East, West, North and South of the globe. My name is Mohamed Abdikadir Daud but I am commonly called "Stanza" which is my familiar nickname. I was born in the coastal port-city, Kismaio, in Southern Somalia in August, 1977. I was brought up in the Somali-populated Northeastern Province of Kenya, where, I did my primary and secondary schooling. The first primary school that I went to was Dadaab Boarding Primary School.  I graduated from the prestigious University of Juba, then in the Republic of Sudan; but now in the new Republic of South Sudan, therefore, I hold Bachelor Degree (Division One) in Arts and Humanities and I majored in English Language and Literature. I also hold Postgraduate Degree (Division One) in Diplomatic Peace and Development from the auspicious University of Bahri in Khartoum. I am now pursuing another Postgraduate Degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution at Bahri University.  In 2012, my first, debut, two books: Haldoor - a collection of my poems in Somali Language, and Single Kiss which is a collection of my poems in English, were released and launched in Khartoum. They were published by the leading Publishing House in Khartoum, Sudan Currency Printing Press, with the approval of the Sudanese Federal Council for Literary and Artistic Works. My latest novel in English is now ready for publication and in the hands of the above said entity for censorship. I hope it will be released soon. In addition to that, I am a United Nations-trained and certified Professional Translator and a Child Rights Activist trained and certified by Child Rights Institute in Khartoum and UNHCR. I worked with almost all the UN Organizations. Currently, I teach English Language, Public Speaking and Creative Writing at an Institute in Khartoum. My poems are part of the course and I enjoy teaching them. I am married to Deeqa Abdillahi Warsame who is based in Britain. I am the founder of Somali Poets Club in Sudan and its current Secretary General. I can say I am very bookish because I started reading novels while I was in standard three and today that I am pursuing my masters, there is no week that I don’t read a new novel. I am an avid reader, isn’t it so?

When did you first start writing poetry and were there any particular incidents in your life that inspired you to write?

Stanza: I started writing poetry in Somali Language at the age of 8. I still remember the first lines that I orally recited. My mother was a poetess and she was famous for “Buraanbur”. She was also an outspoken story-teller and traditionalist. After serving us supper, she used to tell us cultural stories. As siblings, we had to wait for the entertaining narrations of mum every night. Her inspiring mythological narrations solidified my cultural foundation.  Under her heart-warming tutelage and linguistic sternness of my father, I crammed over 500 Somali proverbs most of them from my beloved mother. This wonderful mother had a heart of gold. She died in 2000, God rest her soul in paradise. Amen. I mourned for her with heart-boiling elegies. As for English, I began writing poetry in English in 2004 and I was inspired by my gifted lecturer, Dr. Mohamud Ramadan. This academically qualified and socially admirable lecturer taught us “Introduction to English Literature and Expression Writing.” Eye-opening as the courses were, I enjoyed them a lot.  Late eighties, when the rebellion of SPM against the then military government of Somalia commenced in the Lower Juba and Middle Juba, it had negative impact on us as family because bloody large-scale military engagements happened there. There were constant offensive and counter offensive between government forces and SPM fighters in the area led by the late warlord, Colonel Bashir Ali Salad (Biliqo). That time, I was in Liboi at the Somali-Kenyan border and the intensity of the civil war affected us in one way or another. My aunt who was raised in Mogadishu, started to record her powerful poems against the government in support of SPM. She was SPM underground cell and as a result of that she was branded as a "persona non grata" by the government which forced her to flee the country. Witnessing all those tormented childhood, I became peace hunter. I was born while Somalia and Ethiopia were warring over the oil-rich Ogaden. I am now living in a foreign country where most of the people don’t understand who I am. So I can say that I am a displaced and disturbed poet. I long for peace beyond limit.

What does "being creative" mean to you?

Stanza:  “Being creative” means to me more than metaphoric semantics and syntactical psycholinguistics can describe, because to be creative means to be talented and to be talented means to be gifted. The creative is capable of creating wonderful world of literature with both characterisation of poor and opulent protagonists and antagonists out of the blue and bestows upon them the most colourful attire of a theme to heal the pain of the voiceless in honour of justice and equality. As for me, I share my nocturnal and diurnal emotional intelligence and creative flair to defend the value of humanity at all levels of life.   My creative talent makes me to be a poet and an author always in the front line to fight against injustice, marginalisation, corruption, tribalism, nepotism and all the evil acts of man-made stupidity. Through creative authorship, I share my sadness and gladness with both the living and the non-living creatures. I represent myself as well as other fellow humans with the power of my pen positively.  I am grateful to the gracious God for giving me this rare creativity with which I share few persons in the world. 

What do you try to communicate with your poetry?

Stanza: Well, I communicate with my poetry the pros and cons of life. Because of it I hold the title “Poet” therefore; this creative and abstract insignia enables me to play with poetry. It is a God-given emblem that fascinates me to express my feeling when need takes me to. My younger brother, Shafi, who himself is a poet, calls me “the teacher of romantic poetry” because he understands the creative beauty in my words as he says. All in all, I write poetry about all aspects of life and nature as far as my imagination allows me to. Through lyrics and sorts and kinds of poetry, I talk to myself, to other people and to animals and or insects. When I realise those creatures can’t express their happiness and unhappiness, I represent them and speak on their behalf. Beauty is one thing that forces me to negotiate with poetry while patriotism is a subject that I consider a lot. Aesthetics gives me an assignment of writing poetry at an odd hour of the night.

What do you do when you go into a dry spell of some sort or how do you write another piece when you have been away from it for some time? Do you sit and think through every word of every stanza or do you just write freely and allow the words to flow?

Stanza: I am married to poetry and it makes my wife jealous sometimes … so, due to this I don’t go into dry spell or block as they say. I write poetry in anywhere, at anytime and in any place. It is just a matter of being alone. I can write poetry in a calm place as well as in an excited spot. I recite poetry sometimes in my dream.

Who are some of your favorite poets?

Stanza: The first Somali poet that inspired me was the late prolific poet and historian, Abdullahi Maalim Ahmed (Dhoodaan), who passed away in the historic city, Herar, on 26th of April, 2013 and was buried in Jigjiga on 28th of April, 2013. God rest his soul in eternal paradise. His sudden death kicked me in the teeth. Death is must-meet but his passing away, was a disaster for the Somali classic literature.  Dhoodaan was the first Somali poet that I listened to his poems and they influenced me beyond imagination. I think I was ten, the first time that I encountered his poetry. From that time, he became my role model because the central insight of his poetry is very rich and he is famous for quoting Somali proverbs and idioms to give his listeners the easiest way of accessing to his poetical message.  Without hyperbole, I can say that he was the poet of the Somali poets. The now aging acclaimed Somali poet and philosopher, Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame (Hadrawi) is also my favourite poet. I admire him so much.  But I have never ever met those noted poets in the flesh. I really enjoy reading or listening to their creative works. Nazar Alkabani of Syria and Christina Rossetti of Britain are also my favourite.

What advice do you have for aspiring poets? DO you have any word of advice for closet poets?

Stanza: I am personally requesting and telling the upcoming Somali poets and writers to abstain from tribalism, nepotism, regionalism and poetical plagiarism. A poet or a writer is supposed to be above all evils and be a person of the nation. There are a lot of tribal poets who speak for the mild interests of their tribe but history corners them at long last. For goodness sake never be like those.  Whoever represents his clan with his God-given talent and harms others, will be deleted from the golden pages of history.  Never also allow others to harm your nation with their poetical weapons and humiliate you but warn them positively by following the path of self defense as Islam permits. I am telling my fellow country-mate, Somali poets and writers, to read as many books as they can because reading widens the mind and equips you with wonderful civilisation. Read about your country as well as other nations because we share a lot. Bear in mind that death is waiting for you and your creative words will have both negative and positive - pros and cons, on your deeds depending on how you use them in the numbered days that you are alive in this violated world.  Fear of Allah and indulge not in the materialistic world. Support your nation with your poetry for the right purpose and fight against the terrorists that are devastating the elites of Somalia. Never fear of them as your death is in the hands of Allah. A poet has to be brave and bold on account of that this hard time that Somalia is undergoing your words will make meaning if employed for the rights reason. If you fear of terrorists, you are not for the nation. As poets and writers, we shoulder national responsibility therefore; we have to be part in the rebuilding of the lost nation. I am telling you that I received death threat more than three times from the enemies of our nation. One month ago, a unanimous caller who phoned me from a no-number phone said to me, “I promise to behead you wherever I find you!” I replied to him, “Allah already planned the day of my death it is not what you can plan. Your threat won’t silence my pen.” Those elements are threatening me for just my saying stop the killing of the elites that the nation is in need of. If a person is to kill you for telling him not to kill the eyes of the country, then humanity is dying in front of our eyes.  All in all, every poet must make history and leave essential legacy for the coming generation.

Anything else you would like to share?

Stanza: Dear sister, Halima Ali Ahmed, I would like to thank you cosily for featuring me and allowing me participate in the programme of (Poet of the Week). I am grateful to your crucial contribution to the progress of our words. Somalia is a nation endowed with acclaimed poets and you are one of them. I am really proud of you. God bless you. Let me also take this timely opportunity to greet the pioneering poets of this blog. I appreciate their talent.

Poet of the week: Ahmed Abdi

Would you please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hello everyone, my name is Ahmed Abdi. I hope you're all fine. What should I say about myself other than introduction? I crave seeking knowledge be it anything than benefits me and the people around me.

When did you first start writing poetry and was there any particular incidents in your life that inspired you to write?

I first start writing poems when I was 15, at first I was regular diary writer but I had terrible day at school and I came home angry and wrote my first poem about how I felt.

What does "being creative" mean to you?

Being creative means, to be honest, observe my surroundings, express my feelings and also respect others'. Everybody is creative on their own unique ways.

What do you try to communicate with your poetry?

Humanity, Awareness, Peace, it's always good to be connected to humanity world-wide. People might not agree with me on this but I would say awareness. Spread awareness if you want to live in peace atmosphere/environment. Last, peace needs to be taught and spread because it's the only way that makes diversitity get stronger.

what do you do when you go into a dry spell of some sort or how do you write another piece when you have been away from it for some time?

I do brain-warm but mostly a cup of hot tea would do.

Do you sit and think through every word of every stanza or do you just write freely and allow the words to flow?

I allow the words to follow but I'm planing to think every word because it works wonders.

Who are some of your favorite poets?

I'm in awe of Tima Cade, Abshir Bacadle, Hadraawi, since I have been writing only Somali Poems. The last one I'm going to mention is Haliima Ahmed and the wonderful family of TNP whom have inspired me to write English Poems.

What advice do you have for aspiring poets? Any word of advice for closet poets?

If I can aspire to be inspired know that it came from you so, why don't you inpire all and conquer the world with peace?

Poet of the week: Mabsud Ali

Would you please introduce yourself to the readers?

As-Salamu-Calkeykium folks, my name is Mabsud Ali. I'm from Somalia. Born in Ethiopia. Grew up in Canada. I am a daughter, a sister, a friend and a student. I hope one day to go back home and give back to my people and country. Other than the basics, im just your average young woman living in North America, trying to figure out a way to live a balanced life between the African and Canadian culture.

When did you first start writing poetry and was there any particular incidents in your life that inspired you to write?

I dont specifically remember when i first started writing poetry. But i do remember the day someone else read a piece of mine and that same person pushed me to keep writing and to actually perform live. 

Everything in life inspires me to write, from heartbreaks to failures. To little joys and heartfelt moments. I write about anything, anyone and anytime. Poetry is like my sanity, my psychiatrist. It keeps my leveled. Its my way to heal and come to terms with difficult moments in life. Alhamdoulilah for poetry. 

What does "being creative" mean to you?

Being creative to me means ... thinking outside the imaginary box that life built for us and to defy the blueprint society installed on us. To be creative is to be different and daring within every aspect of life. But try to stay within the borders of halaal-ness, haha. To be creative is to take risks just so that when you're 80yrs old siting in your room reminiscing about your youthful days, you wont regret what you didnt do instead you'd laugh at every bad decision you thought was brilliant at that time ..  

What do you try to communicate with your poetry?

Mhm, i have many recurrent themes in my poetry, its mostly about a lovers last wishes or last plea for forgiveness if he or she wronged their beau ou belle. Or The hardships of love. The difficulties a woman goes thru in life and evidently i love to write about my only lover Somalia .. But all in all, my poetry has the main purpose to tell readers that when everything that could possibly go wrong, goes wrong, dont worry something good shall come your way. 

what do you do when you go into a dry spell of some sort or how do you write another piece when you have been away from it for some time?

If im going thru a dry spell in my poetry, i either choose a theme i want to write about and start scribbling down all the possible emotions i feel about the theme itself e.g. happiness, joy, humbleness .. and i start forming sentences and metaphors. Or i just read thru all my old poems and that usually gives me the kick to writing something new. 

Do you sit and think through every word of every stanza or do you just write freely and allow the words to flow?

I just write honestly .. i dont stop until my hand gets tired. Then when i start editing, i start pausing and rearranging my wordings and whatnot .. 

Who are some of your favorite poets?

I loooove Bassey Ikpi, Shihan ofcourse, Warsan Shire, Suheir Hammad, Dante Basco, Ian Keketu and if philosophers were considered poets, i love Albert Camus and Socrates

What advice do you have for aspiring poets? Any word of advice for closet poets?

To the aspiring poets, dont drop your pen. Because your words could one day be in text books teaching kids somewhere in the world and that poem about love you wrote and believe its so corny and generic, it could actually teach someone .. somewhere what love is .. Just keep in mind that your words are worth something and you should always share your knowledge and thoughts .. And to the closet poets, if you're really shy, sign your poems as anonymous, i know i did that for the longest time ever. But just remember that poetry is a art, its a gift and a talent, and that you should share your talent with the world .. 

What does writing poetry do for you?

Like i said, poetry itself is like my form of therapy. If im having major issues and I'm not comfortable in talking about it with someone whether it be friends or family, i know my pen and paper will always be there for me to "listen" to me. And on the plus side, my pen and paper wont judge me or have an opinion .. it just lets me pour all my emotions on it and call it a day. Poetry gives me the oppotunity to come to terms with difficult situation where i have no control whatsoever of the outcome. Poetry relaxes me and makes me discover myself every day, personality wise. Poetry is my security blanket. Poetry is my life. 

Anything else you would like to share?

What did the baby corn ask the mama corn? .. Wheres pop corns? .. Hahaha. Thanks for reading TILL THE LAST word. Mac'Salaama.

Poet of the week (POW): Ahmed Knowmadic

Would you please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hi readers, How are you? I'm good thanks. My name is Ahmed Ali, but I go by Ahmed Knowmadic. Why? I'm moving from place to place herding my words, seeking knowledge. It also gets people to ask about it, which in turn gives me the opportunity to tell them about Somali people and their nomadic lifestyle.

When did you first start writing poetry and were there any particular incidents in your life that inspired you to write?

My first recollection of writing for the purpose of poetry was around age 18. However, I enjoyed word games and would work hard to write during ESL [English as a second language] class at around the age of 12.

What does "being creative" mean to you?

It means expressing your inner thoughts. It's not news, we all have voices and images in our heads (don't try to deny it -_-) Being able to formulate those very same thoughts and images to produce something that is authentically yours is creative.

What do you try to communicate with your poetry?

My truth. I want to share my honest opinion.

what do you do when you go into a dry spell of some sort or how do you write another piece when you have been away from it for some time?

With the exception of few, every poem I write has already been worked on before it even reaches paper. I rarely sit and write a poem. Instead, I read about the topic of my poem, watch documentaries about it and ask people for their opinion. These exercises generate ideas. I write those ideas down into my phone. After I have gathered enough ideas, I compile all my ideas and write them down into a poem. I have several poems going simultaneously. The poems I have on my website are the exception. For that reason I do not go through dry spells.

Who are some of your favorite poets?

 Titilope Sonuga Mary Pinkoski and many more

What advice do you have for aspiring poets?

Be yourself. Don't try to be like someone. There are 7 billion other people, there is only one you. People are waiting to hear your poetry. You might think you are not a good enough poet, but what is a "good poet" anyway? There a hundreds, if not thousands waiting to hear your poetry, share when you are ready.

Any word of advice for closet poets?

Write your way out of the closet when you are ready. Don't be pressured to share your truths if you aren't ready. But when you are... Beat people with those words like my aabo beat me with clothes hangers (Not true, he never hit me...)

Anything else you would like to share?

My words are as powerful as the one that gives them meaning. So thank you for giving my words your time. God bless you for reading this and giving me the opportunity to remind you of how merciful Allah is.

Poet of the week (POW): Abadir Hashi

you please introduce yourself to the readers?

My name is Abadir Hashi, I have been writing poetry for a year and a half now. As well as a poet, I’m also a designer and an artist. I’m now 18 years old, currently living in London-England. I was born in Somalia and came to the UK when I was 7. I gave been fortunate enough to visit my motherland twice in my life. The first time in 2006 and the second time in 2011; this is the reason why I particularly write about Somalia and its struggles. I want to become an Architect one day and hopefully restore Somalia to its full beauty. 

When did you first start writing poetry and was there any particular incidents in your life that inspired you to write?

First I wrote poetry was when I was in year 10. It was for a ‘Speaking and Listening Assessment’ and I chose to write and perform a poetry unlike everyone one else who did a presentation. I never knew I was capable of writing poetry but since art come naturally to me, it wasn’t hard to transition my talent into words. I also began to listen to multiple YouTube clips of poets found on ‘Def Poetry Jam’ and ‘Brave new Voices.

What does "being creative" mean to you?

For me, being creative means you have absolute freedom to express what you think without any boundaries. You are free to use words, art and other forms of expression to voice your message. Being creative is also being able to be inspired – creativity can do so much but once you’re inspired, you are driven to finish it to the end.

What do you try to communicate with your poetry?

My poetry is my vessel for a brighter future. Knives and bullets can hurt you but words run deeper, it’s a force to be reckoned with and a beckon of hope. My poetry, art and designs are not there to be seen but to be felt, they are my cannonball to spread peace, happiness and faith to the ears that stand before me. 

What do you do when you go into a dry spell of some sort or how do you write another piece when you have been away from it for some time

The best way, for me, to get back into writing is to do ‘free writing’. It means you have to write whatever comes to mind in a short space of time between 5-10mins. You should never lift your pen from the page until the time is up. You can also have words that someone shouts out to you randomly whilst you write.

What this allows you to do is to have raw material that you can change later and make it sound fancy. Ultimately this ‘free writing’ would give you a backbone of some sort so that you can fall back to. Surprisingly, the best lines and stanzas are sometimes accidental – so don’t make your poetry seem such a hassle; have fun and enjoy it. 

Do you sit and think through every word of every stanza or do you just write freely and allow the words to flow?

I love to write whilst travelling on the bus or the underground. I hardly ever sit down silently and write; I like the loud and busy environments that would let my mind run wild. Also, I usually write freely to let the words flow and experiment with them.

Who are some of your favorite poets?

I get inspiration from all types of poets, combination of classical poets: Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats, Frost, DH Lawrence, Blake, Shakespeare, etc. To more current faces you would see in ‘Def poetry jam’ and ‘Brave new Voices’

What advice do you have for aspiring poets? Any word of advice for closet poets?

If you’re not sure about poetry or feel not confident enough to share yours; I would greatly suggest going to open mic nights and spoken word competitions to get inspiration. The poetry scene is very small, you would always meet people more than once and the community you would gain is amazing.

Anything else you would like to share?

Anyone can write poetry, you just have to believe in your words… believe that IT WILL BE HEARD AND FELT!