Sunday, July 18, 2010

Hobbeyo Hobba

Hobbeyo Hobba
is the start of a sweet lullaby my mother used to sing to me
those numerous nights where i was a foe to my sleep
she would hold me in her thin arms, rocking me to the rhythm of the waves, to ease my discomfort
Hobbeyo Hobba
she would sing to me, while i was drinking fresh camel milk
with her soft motherly voice, soothing my innocent infant soul
Hobbeyo Hobba
reciting tales about my great grandfathers and how they were strong men
and loyal to their kinship
Hobbeyo Hobba
you could see the dreams and hopes in the eyes of my teenage mother
And they were followed by tears and regret
Hobbeyo Hobba
to the lonely night that she gave birth to me, in the middle of the outskirts of our town
Alone with her 2 hands and soaked in her salty tears
And by the grace of Allah, i was a healthy baby, Alhamdoulilah
Hobbeyo Hobba
for the night i laid beside the dead body of my young mother while hearing the sounds of bombs and bullets shooting
And the sight of her white veil drenched in her blood to which will haunt me forever
And that night, i sang to her, a lullaby
Hobbeyo Hobba Hooyo Macaaney ...

Mabsud Ali
Copyright © 2010

In Search of You

Woke up from the same place I went to bed
Mustered enough energy to continue for a new day
In search of you, to reconnect again
Tracing your footsteps, now a shadowy ghost
Accompanied by the imprinted memories of you, and our time together
Your kiss may have faded
The same way as your warmth evaporated
Yet they remain alive and all well
Preserved in my heart of memories
Each time I find myself lost and discouraged
They will guide me back on track

Enjoy your summer--soon you will find yourself in search mode, lol.


Sadiiq Ashuhle
Copyright © 2010

Definition

Every nation celebrates its pride
When its strength and morals were tested
Nations collided to secure their citizens
Roads paved for a successful future
Yet the seeds of hatred planted at every corner

At times of vulnerability will they bear fruit
Break bonds and split family
Bring nations to their knees

Many question what went wrong
Clearly the answer lies in the definition
How we define, ultimately divides
Definition is our last line of Defense

Duale mahdi
Copyright © 2010

Agony is my Lullaby

Black and white, mixed to grey.
Good or bad, you choose your way.
Look back in time, have you seen agony?
Children burnt, punished for no felony.
Redemption: starvation, just for another day.
Sarcasm: food waste, watch our children play.
If life is making a living rather existing.
Why are they existing to die for a living?
Survival of the fittest is not a term in any text book.
Money makes the world go round, third world shook.
Africa, my cousin told me: "Agony is my Lullaby"
Poverty, my niece can't cry, her eyes are dry.

Pen 'N' Paper
Copyright © 2010

A poem for July 4th

Editor's note: If there is anything positive about being a refugee it has to be the fact that refugees embody great diversity, speak different languages, experience diverse cultures, etc. Somalis in particular amaze me with their ability to adopt two different cultures and intertwine them to make one.


I swear to forever
Protect you
Love you
Praise you
Wash you
Believe you
Defend you
Kiss you
Feel you
Wave you
Watch you
And Love you
The bright flag
Of the United States
With 13 red stripes
Thirteen white stripes
And the fifty stars
In the squared blue- shade
Be powerful forever
Be dominant forever
Never become vulnerable
To your weak enemies
Ameen.....

Faisal Abdi
Copyright © 2010

Our beautiful children

Our beautiful children are crying
In Their hearts, wordlessly.
And in everything they try to teach them,
Is this a Simple Attempt of Manslaughter.
Our beautiful children are dying
Mentally, He is trying Raise a successful Daughter
The Pant line exposed and it pleases.
It makes me laugh as they say
Yore and yoyette is the mood
I bleed for them 'cause it
Has blinded them as they blend
Struggling with battered images
Badly in need in good repute
Their Characters deformed daily.
How can the blind lead
The blind except both fall?
Crashing on a daily bases
Tumbling and dashing hopes.
Crushed like butter in bread
Parental guidance placed
To question as these kids
Roam the streets and make

Bad company as the waste on
We can't afford folding our arms
As if nothing is wrong with these
Very young and talented kids

The keys to the future is held by the young
So we must prepare, Atrocious The want they’re future Hung
As They Equipped us, We must Concern our blunders
Our children are blessing, I call them World wonders.
The underage will rise from this “underworld”.
Bright kids, Bright future, and they want them Hurled?

I am son’in Every child in need As I try generate My breed
I am son’in every child even though they are not my seed. God-willing I will succeed,
In teaching That “Don’t kill, Please Read”
I am Son’in evry child so one day My people Don’t longer have to bleed.
I am son’in them Not for any such greed.
So we shall all proceed in not to mislead These Beautiful Children.
Please Help them as they will help you in You're Older days

World will end, But let them see Finer things.
Cause if not, Within there will be Diaspora flings.
Which we all tend to ignore, But Reality will hit you in the face
So my people, These are blessings we must Embrace.
Save our beautiful Children.

Mukhtar Mohamed
Copyright © 2010

Saturday, July 3, 2010

P.S. I’m a criminal

Dear friend, I don’t know where to start
I’m on the run – I see them dart
at me. The reason... I’m losing hope. Please –
publish my story, so I can feel at ease.
Let them hear my journey to find my inner peace.

P.S. I’m a criminal

I’m a criminal – for being born
in South Africa – Apartheid has torn
my ancestors’ dignity for five and a half decades,
born in a ghetto, reality fades.

P.S. I’m a criminal

Birthright has been revoked at birth.
“Black Homelands” outside Johannesburg, why on earth
was I deported – I thought I was home in Africa
I was too young to understand said cousin Erica

P.S. I’m a criminal

I arrived in UK 28th January nineteen eighty five,
not as South African, but a Hutu refugee, to find a better life.
What a fateful day – “We are the World” – that was what some were singing.
Back in Africa, my family and friends were fighting and clinging
To “Life” – trying – To survive

P.S. I’m a criminal

“Life” is coated in Europe with a different meaning.
That was my first impression as a teenager, leading
to my second impression, this cancelled my very first.
Racial segregation, a matter of the past – social segregation, at its worst.

P.S. I’m a criminal

Welcome to London – Newham – found home, inner urban
my neighbours – Blacks – Muslims – Asians wearing turban.
Finding a way out of misery – while I watch TV?
Can’t believe what I see –
Mike Tyson K.O. – Nelson Mandela finally
Set free - 11th February nineteen ninety
Finding a way out of misery – while I watch TV!

P.S. I’m a criminal

Dear friend, I don’t justify
What I did, what I do – I don’t even try
To find an excuse why I am locked up here
If this is society’s justice, then I have nothing to fear.

P.S. I’m a criminal

Young – despaired – proud – idealistic – misled
Driven by my ambition, demons follow me to bed.
Everyone out there tries to make it – what is at stake?
A criminal mind built over the years – one opportunity to take.
Without any prospects I have nothing to lose,
ain’t it easy to judge while you’re sipping your booze?!
Meet me half way with a clear state of mind!
Sitting Hyde Park, discussing me & my own kind.

P.S. I’m a criminal

Dear friend, I don’t know how it came to this.
It went all too quick – either my fault or his.
Locked up, I see people from my neighborhood
Justice – since the days in “Black Homeland” – everything is good.
Born behind bars, ceased behind bars
It was a childhood dream – one of those red & fast cars
From Johannesburg to Cape Town
Free at home – not only The Crown

P.S. I’m a criminal

Sincere regards
Samuel – Speaking to the hearts

(Grievance in History is for remembrance - Not to point the finger at each other)
Pen 'N' Paper
Copyright © 2010

Suffocated

Every sight and sound
That I see and hear
From corner to corner
Across airwaves and print outs of America

All I see is
Agents of sales
Capital flow
Hard hitters
Owners of news
Makers of trend
Fixed reality
Larger than life
Allurement for more
At the price of debt

All I hear is
Pitch sales
The calls of capitalism
Accumulation to purchase
For more products
One time only deals
Never to be seen again

Enough, is enough
I have ton of junks
Of no use
Yet again
I keep piling for some more
I want to go green
But whom I am to lie
I am no purist

Same ol’ tactics
None changed
After all this time
Since from little age
Everything is the same
Only turning for worse


Sadiiq Ashuhle
Copyright © 2010
This will be part of 'Individuality: Voices and Struggles ' chapter.

{Group poem 10 Part 3} Somalia's 50th Independence Day

That’s you and me…

Not a prisoner in an open sea…

Since the day we’ve been born and we still live in this torn…

We gave up our Home for disaster’s to perform…

We’ve decided to leave and walk to another land…

We’ve grabbed and seeked for a foreign hand…

More then 20 years and still we’re not relieved…

We wake up everyday with headlines received…

Blood spilled around caused by bullets which are still refilled…

Pictures of terror, victims and orphans beside borders build…

We’re just like them in pain and harm ...

Imagine that victim who lost his arm..

We keep complaining about nothing..

While they need something ...

Something that relieves them from pain and tense..

They seek rest, peace and difference ...

Safety allows it ....

Faith represents it ...

Nobody is welcome in another ground...

So why acting like you ‘re highly crowned...

You will always remain what you are ...

Even if your miles away far..

Whatever is happening or whatever is done..

If you keep standing ..You will see none..

They will never stop ...

Fair will never end and guns will never drop..

Time is running fast ..

Every second counts Future and has left Past..

A new generation...

That’s you and me...

Not prisoners in their own red sea...

Don't wait for conflicts to end...

Keep searching for Hope to land...

Discuss with your neighbour or your friend..

Solutions will never come unless you think right for it...

Take your chances to submit...

We hear lost, violence or silent cry...

What we all do is to listen to how those dye..

A new generation...

That is you and me...

Not a prisoner in a vanished sea...

You have the strength...the ability...

Give answers with all the possibility...

Gather your mother, your aunt or people from another clan...

Change opens in a small box with a plan...

We just need to show it can...

Throw out your voice and spit out those rocks...

Ever since we’ve born it's all about who and that...

I'm not responsible for your faults or who was bad..

I have studied and that says enough...

I'll use it for a take off...

Even how simple it is ...

As long as I am doing something we miss...

It will be useful for Change to succeed ...

And for a Nation to complete...

A new generation ...

That's you and me...

Not the prisoners in that bloody sea...

Now we want every Youth to repeat…

Hooyo I’ll make you proud…

Home I’ll speak out loud …

Children forget our doubt…

I don’t care anymore who’s got killed or who respond..

Whether it’s my uncle ,my brother or my aunt..

The mission is where do I stand and how will I pronounce…

That’s the way the Horn of Africa will be World-wide crowned…

There is no more view left to be right-back bounced…

It’s up to me to let it out and announce..

And I’m speaking to all Youth around…

Across all borders even back Home on each ground…

We will be One voice, on One mission ready to be found…

I’ll carry on the name Somali with a crown…

The new generation …

That’s who we are …

The white prisoners in the blue sea…

So start and please let it be …


Yassie
Copyright © 2010

p.s. I'm just a dreamer in all those conflicts while some think we aint got no hope for the Horn of Africa ...I wish and pray all Somali-youth around the world understand that not only you are hurt but the one who's in all that's happening is counting on "The new generation" just like 50 years ago Heroes who stood up for our rights ......YOUTH IS THE SOLUTION BUT PLEASE GUIDE INSTEAD OFF IGNORING
I believe in HOPE in the neariest future ...if you don't then let me do my thing as a true Somali

{Group poem 10 Part 3} Somalia's 50th Independence Day

20 years
we shed so many tears
20 years
we shared so many fears
20 years
tell me about your life
20 years
count your blessings, I know it has been trife
20 years
we all had so many losses
20 years
`ninety-one, remember how the sea hisses and tosses
20 years
we left everything behind
20 years
friends, family, all my own kind
20 years
we had the same living
20 years
in different places, but the same upbringing
20 years
my prayers, are with the old generation
20 years
they won`t forgive! They can`t forget! Their homelands fascination!
20 years
my prayers, are with the young generation
20 years
to wake up and realise Somalia`s our destination
20 years
let`s not take those years times two
20 years
brothers and sisters, it`s all about you
20 years
it`s time to understand
20 years
we share the same land
20 years
we share the same religion
20 years
we share the same tradition
20 years
it`s time to understand
20 years
it`s time to hold, each others hand

Now, Wave your flag! Don't feel ashamed.
History is History, we can't be blamed!
Keep your head up and take the lead.
The fruits of tomorrow you want to reap,
The effort of today you need to seed.
Show me your smile, dreamer, then go to sleep.

Pen 'N' Paper
Copyright 2010

Group poem 10: Somalia's 50th Independence Day

The desire is stronger than you think
Through everything, even when I believe
The grieving pen I write with ink
Trying with words my feelings heave

Sometimes I just want to run away
From misery, sorrow and pain
Like I ended up in the highway
That keeps me hard in a chain

A nation which today can’t be honored
People with an expressionless face
My pride, they long ago conquered
A nightmare that I must now erase

Historical it was 50 years ago
The flag the people were waving
Hope I must not lose, it's all I know
A nation that is now slowly burning

If my mind is thinking, it’s enough
But the heart keeps telling, don’t give up
I personally have to be tough
Get my people to stand up

You can’t find no hiding place
Because the heart can beat the hate
Something we all should embrace
A light that can no longer wait

Zana Haji Hashi
Copyright 2010

Group poem 10: Somalia's 50th Independence Day

Raise the single star flag and show your pride, shout your independence. Celebrate a worthless observance, yet freedom is nothing more than pretence. The land of blood and dust, as the toxic waste barrels continue to rust, and the people hold on to the life line of foreign assistance.

Dance and party, rejoice at the drums you so find heavenly, I guaranty you thousands of your kin lay in darkness and stomachs ever hungry.

Forgive me if I see no sense or reason, maybe I can’t exalt in oblivion, as my land amounts to nothing close to liberty, if independence is sovereignty, then as my people die I remain in captivity.

Hope is something amazing, for as long as you draw breath, it sips slowly to your body from your chest, but what is hope when a child suckles nothing from his mother’s breast.

No I see no independence, my vision sees a generation of children born into a savage and merciless existence, while we dance to a low budget charade, no of such a meaningless gathering I am surely afraid.

Were is the autonomy when I am robed of my life and my lands precious property, where is the self-sufficiency when I can no longer reap fish from my sea, questions that should weigh heavy on you and me.

So before we dress in lavish attire, and in luxury settings gather, let us ask ourselves, how independent would we feel in the death fields of Somalia.

Hamza Egal
Copyright ©2010

Group poem 10: Somalia's 50th Independence Day

The finest day has arrived
For the people of Soomaal
Our celebrated independence day
In which we happily celebrate
So please accept my request
To gather on the streets

To make the longest lines,
All facing Allah with gratitude
For I now want you to give
To hold your warm hands
Facing down with closed eyes
Sensing secure and surrounded

Feeling the blood of my brothers
Sensing the blood of my sisters
To feel I’m protected.
To feel I’m loved.
To heed in I am cared.
To a nation, people, and place

Let’s us straight up our chins
Opening our innocent mouths wide
Singing our national anthem
Till our throats desiccated
Till emotions run too high
Tears rolling down the cheeks

To pray and heal our hearts
Hugging and helping each other.
O' you my honorable youth
Hoping we make a difference.
Let's pray for our country
Let's pray for our leaders

To understand and reconcile
To sign accords of peace
The long waited unification
Let’s ask our Almighty
To forgive and bless us
Now let’s read few verses

Including the surah, Fati'ah
Acknowledging the power
Of our feeder and forgiver
And ask for help and bless
He so may bless Somalia
With peace and tranquility

Faisal Abdi
Copyright © 2010

Mumbai

My heart thinks of you everyday and literally weeps because of the memories of yesterday...
Mumbai - Oh Mumbai the place you hold in my heart is like no other.
The lessons you have taught me shall forever be an imprint in my heart...
The beauty you represent is profound...
The struggles you endured great...
The attacks cruel...
The natural disasters almost crippled you...
But each time you came back even stronger and leaving people in awe...
Your strength is empowering...
You are impeccable..
You are Mumbai - my love.
You embody great diversity from Mohammed Ali Road to Dadar to Santa Cruz to Colaba all the way to Andheri...
The excitement that were present in Chowpatty and Juhu beach are like no other...
And even though the original Taj Mahal is in Agra - the vibrant beauty of Taj hotel cannot be overlooked...
And although the Gate way of India is in the capital - it is the Gate of India in Colaba that truly remains the gate way to India for me.
Even though it is the West that is credited for being ALL THAT - YOU are ALL THAT and MORE for me...And as I write this while sitting in States - I fondly look forward to day of our reunion.
And, my beloved Mumbai you remain home only second to the land of my forefathers (Somalia).
Mumbai ♥

-Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010

LOOK!

Look! Their beard is long!
But their act is wrong!
Teaching youth to get blown!
While they are to get grown!

Look! They silence the press!
For something that is less!
Than what they reserve!
On the way to serve!

Excavating the grave!
Without being brave!
Talking ill of it and rave!
As if they are naive!

Why not to ruminate?
Or deeply cogitate?
On how Islam to delineate!
And peacefully educate!

Do they want to rule?
And at once to fool?
Absence of calm and cool!
In blood like swimming-pool!

Do they think they are rock?
Fearing of no one's knock?
Showing off and mock!
On the move to lock!

Who is fighting who?
Who is chasing who?
Who is erring who?
Without knowing who!

Is aiming to attack!
Or ready to back?
Say NAY to kill!
Or pay to nil!

Why not to sit?
Sit and discuss?
Discuss to suss?
In peace to pass?

Mohamed Abdikaadir Daud (Stanza)
Copyright © 2010

If not us then who will?

Is it over?
Or would it be like this forever
I’m tired of waiting
And it’s like I’m gonna live as refuge for ever
The pain grows deeper
And it’s adding up whereever
There is no favour done for a brother
Click-clack and his brain is out
And it is shame
That it’s not drug that is driving us crazy
We are not that much drinkers
And we are not dope farmers
So why is this wife crying?
Coz she just said goodbye to her guy
It real hurts coz she though one day they would fly
But bullets flew and he is hit without reason
I look up to the sky
And ask Allah for strength
Because I’m stressed
I want an access to the truth
Behind this mess
I want success in life
And see my country in peace again
I wanna sleep peacefully
In my night dress
But I feel like we careless
And this blood left most of us aimless
Its blindness
Whenever I see the news on TV It leaves me breathless
I got weak and my body feels boneless
But I still got braveness
To claim I’m from land of poets
We all need peace
But we have to come together
Not at graves but everywhere we can
We the youth of Somalia
And the future of tomorrow
If we don’t stand hand to hand
To rebuild home
Then who will?

Poet of The Streetz (P.o.s)
Copyright © 2010

Are we too weak to take a stand?

This poem is written by a young Somali girl currently residing in the U.K - she wishes to remain anonymous. InshAllah any poem from her will be posted under the name "The Anonymous teenager."


Why don't they just think?
Instead of being lazy,
laying back while they watch their mums cry out her frustration like crazy,
Living for the impression they make on others,
when there are people out there fighting for the life of their sister and brothers,
If they would live like life is suppose to be,
Live with faith and a strong reality,
Knowing the truth that if they just stand tall,
The foundation they stand on, will never fall,
How come our little sisters are crying?
How come so many of our people are dying?
Are we too weak to take a stand,
or are we too ignorant to care about this far-away land,
there are too much lies, too much show,
its no wonder, the people around us might never know,
our people are crying, starving and dying,
YOU gotta open your eyes, no more denying
turning your apathy into hearing, listen to the sounds of the needy,
turn your back to the greedy, and smile even when its not easy,
because no matter how bad things might seem,
no matter if you just want to believe its a bad dream,
fight for whats real with your heart,
and inshallah,
you'll get you're reward the one and only god.

The Anonymous teenager
Copyright © 2010

INNER STRENGTH

As strong as a bullet that kills, the foundation that holds me still
the will that keeps me drivin forward, after every crash on a terrain hill
Enemies, unfortunate difficulties, the ambition of an Aries
to withstand adversity, my inner strength has the energy to battle 100 adversaries
and still walk and breathe, as if I drank the purest water God had offer me
Water from the God, strong mentality from my moms
strivin through the struggle, the heart of a Jihad
I feel like I'm built wit armor, surroundin my chest
bullet proof vest, titanium complex, the physique of a possessed T-Rex
This facade of appearances, shields the inner strength that was blessed within
a gift that took time to developed, trainin and exercisin the mind to win
Inner strength is a powerful inner power, that propels towards my achievements
the right components, the perfect movements, followed by my perseverance
Its manifested in my soul, this power gives me the ability to achieve any life goals
it grows each and everyday like a seed planted in a dirt hole
the sun is the light that keeps me seein, the water is the nourishment that keeps me growin
She said its the strength u need to be alive, so I pray
its the strength that keeps flowin through my blood, the reason why I survive everyday
Its my inner strength.


Mukhtar Mohamed
Copyright © 2010

Void in my heart

Years ago we rejoiced their union
Their union meant our togetherness
A decade ago when they decided to split
We departed…
Together they came in a blissful union, without our approval.
Together they decided to split and depart, without our concern
They made the decision to tie our bonds together…
And also break it…eventually
We were just a paper
For their story to be written in
But why did they have to use an ink so inerasable
One that burdens the heart time and again
One that has left a void in my heart…
One that has caused a decade to pass by without me seeing my little brothers..
Often I wonder if my brothers are aware of the sister they have in me…
Are they aware of the many times I have longed to see them grow into fine young men that they are today…
Are they aware of my unconditional love towards them…
Are they aware of the void I carry in my heart because of their absence from my life..
Are they?
I led an incomplete life…
An incomplete journey…
An in co mp


Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010

IF and If...

If I fight you for a cause,
Do you think I will lose?

If you kill me for a gain,
Can you survive without pain?

If you shed my blood,
Will I miss all a lad?

If you see yourself heavy-weight,
Alas! In thinking you are late!

If you hate me for an aim,
Lurking mind, can you claim?

If you make me crestfallen,
Won't peace be stolen?

If both of us don't think well,
Are we going to meet in hell?

If millions disperse and die,
Why each of us to hide and lie?

If all our guns cry,
Alas! Why to buy?

If you hit me with stone,
In ache will I be alone?

If you shoot me with gun,
Will I fear of you and run?

If you chase me today,
Will you not fall my prey?

If two of us slay,
Won't war be May to May?

If you dictate to me,
Will I not bite you like bee?

If you are so malevolent,
Why am I to be benevolent?

If life seems so,
No way to go!

Then, let us ride back!
And see what we lack!

Stop now to whack!
And stitch the crack!

In peace then discuss!
Without maiming lass!

Mohamed Abdikaadir Daud (Stanza)
Copyright © 201

Child soldier.

My thoughts wonder to things we may not wish to know.
If you tender to your gardens, the seeds in good health grow.
Then you can sit back and enjoy the fruits that you sow.
But development for mass benefit in Africa is more then slow.
Left back in time, cloaked in darkness, so greed is the only glow.

A disease, that resides in the human system in need of vaccination.
An undiagnosed cancer, that eats away at my beloved nation.
A child that barely started living, to load the gun is the only education.
Stolen, raped and beaten, crying in the shadows, comforted by starvation.
And if they survive the induction, the front line is the next mission.

Sent in first by the cowards into enemy lines as creeping spies.
No emotions left in that little casing, tears no longer roll down these eyes.
No home left behind, headed in circles all the time, blank gaze of the blind.
Maybe it would have been a blessing not to see, the slaughter of father.
Or the unthinkable way they defiled and mutilate my beautiful mother.

Now I am the one with power, I am the reason why people run for cover.
This is the only existence I know; it would be unreal to imagine another.
Whether its blood diamonds I gather, or a sex slave for the soldier’s pleasure.
This is my world, bullets and blood as I suffer; those I come across pay the piper.



Hamza Egal
Copyright ©2010

Our tears together

days are just as gloomy
if only you knew me
my thoughts are of the darkness
I believed once in life, happiness would be there to guide
so I now believe theres no such thing
may the bee's fly high cos I can feel the stinging heating its way of the reddest blood
the skies arent as pleasing the colour of grey

its been raining for days, but its okay
so atleast everyone gets to have a bad day
I'm eating of their pain
I know how you feel I'm not putting myself in your shoes
cos I am you, clearly listening to your words
and making your problem as mines
its a winding day, so lets fly kites let it go
and let the message pass on, I written a note to our lord
but maybe a angle would pass it to God

he can read how we all weep and how we all cant sleep
but then again you never listened when I said to make a pray
so I'm taking the lights out, that way my tears aren't noticeable
do you know how I feel, alone, my heart feels cold
the days are getting old seeing the green grass turning into mold
so I keep remembering the bad days the memories
finding it hard to fold and to put it away
was I always like this sad
have I confused sadness as the living of life

hold me tight as the night will always be the night
knowing we understand this misery
hold me tight as the kiss will always be the sweetest kiss
our tears together my dear as we cry praying for a different change.


Idil Ahmed Mahamed
Copyright © 2010

Somalia- The Nation of Poets {Group poem 9 Part 3} Somali Youth - "Is this what it means to be a Youth?"

Youthful life is overated, "You are too young to Perish"
Universal belief, But a nickel for this saying albeit Garish
Some Yungins deeply lost, Verily not a sight to Cherish.


What is being a Youth?
Parties, unlimited fun,drinking, be hip, alotta Ma'siya to impress your Peers?
And repent Later?
Or Is it Ibaadah, charity, having Taqwa & be educated enough to score MashaAllah Cheers?
And STILL abide by the laws of your Creator?


Hijaab becomes a strange elf language to the sisters, "Ancient" is the word
or is it outdated? It is just a piece of cloth comes the response....
Brothers on the roll, Guns become Roses. Absurdity at its peak
Is this the Bloom of Youth? Is this what it means to be a Youth?


Tell you what..Dear Youth, In that moment of Truth
In that shrieking moment of torment, You won't find besties Muna or Ruth
Before that inmost soul of human fear and agony, Before it fills the air..
Will you have worked for the hereafter aye Youth?

Get Told.

'Afore my ink pen 'dries', Here's a Salute
To the youth keeping it Deenly, I applaud their credible Repute.
MashaAllah....Alhamdullila
h.

May Allah (swt) Guide us ALL to the right path. Amiin.

One love :)


Ilhan Bashir
Copyright 2010.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Group poem 9: Somali Youth - "My Youth Experience"

O you, the youth

I have a different theme for you today

To read, reconsider, reproduce and relish

For I wish you to pay attention

It is about youth experience

For I remember the boyish face

The dirty legs ridding bicycle

Fighting in the sandy playground

With the foe neighborhood boys

Who I was told were ferocious

Carrying all kinds of illegal weapons

To preying other boys in the hood



For I was enlightened they wish to find

The weakness side of “us”

To victimize my friends and I

So did my friends initiated the assault

To humiliate the bad boys first

To see their lips lacerated

To laugh at teeth parts falling

Spitting blood mixed with muddy sand

O’ who remembers the “kala Reeb”

Where you were forced to fight for friends

Where you are left to defend yourself

From the king of the new neighborhood

Being tough was the game

For the wrongful assumptions of boyishness

Swearing, screaming, spitting, sniffing,

Not crying was rule number one!

Staying strong for immoral things

Was seen as encouragement

O’ daring to die was bravery

It was essence of boyish mentality

The essence of wrong peer pressure

Peer pressure can be wrong or right

It can be good or bad

It can be healthy or harmful



Depends on how you deal with

And discriminate your personal interests

From the dangerous at temptations

Of proving to be the toughest and the leader

Gaining wrong respect of heading the wrong path

For I was smart enough to know

And discriminate who was my best friend

Who was a bad influencer into my in life

And had to find ways to avoid

Before I run into terrible

My parents didn’t wish me to be in

Sometimes I was considered girlish



Because I had refused smoke

I denounced in participating criminal activities

Had I not rejected to do robbery many times

Had I not acted very selfish

To avoid getting into dirty fights

I encouraged my friends go to the libraries to read

I hated to hang out in the hood acting tough

For I knew that wouldn’t evince my cleverness

What makes me tough is contending with “THE MEN”

The Men who dominates me for centuries



O’ you, the young Somalis

Don’t set the gear of your dreams too low

I am now mature to discern

The world offers more than you may foretell

O’ should you not be overwhelmed by peer pressure?

And the cheap boyish mentality

That may put you in confinement

By getting caught in the compliance of criminal activities

In which you lose your citizenship

Or retain bad record in your history



To be a good citizen is to have a clean license

So avoid getting into fighting

Avoiding bad hanging out with bad boys

Avoid hooking up with fast girls

Focus your dreams

Listen to your hearts

Answer the right questions

Ignore the wrong answers

Who is your real role model?

What do you want to be?



Do you wish be a productive citizens or murder

Do you wish to help others or kill them?

Ignore temptations

Avoid depression

Distress is the essence of depression

Pushes you to do perilous performance

Doing all kinds of wrongs things to escape

The unknown or know hectic world

For I have yet to say enough

And wish you pay attention



Satisfactions is the essence of happiness

Be confident and satisfied

With whatever Almighty bestow you

Seek achieve what you desire in meaningful ways

Be respectful to your own parents

To your brothers and sisters

To your community and country

So peace and harmony shall prevail

So dreams shall reign and fulfilled

So the right morals shall guide all of us.

Faisal Abdi
Copyright © 2010

'Ubax iyo Luul' / 'Flowers and Pearls' Share

'Ubax iyo Luul'

Gabadhaan xijaaban waa ubax oo kale,
Waa qurux ,udgoon, udgoon dadkad dhan jecelyihiin,
Ubaxa markuu cusub yahay waa wax wanaagsan,
Waad waraabin,biyahaad ka badali si uu u noolaado,
Laakiinse wakhti kabacdi, ubaxaasi wuu qalali, dhiman oo burburi,
Hadaba waad iska tuuri, waad is dhaafin oo qashinkaad ku ridi.
Taasi waxay la mid tahay gabadhaan is asturin (xijaaban).

Balse gabadha is asturta.
Waxay la mid tahay Luul bada salkeeda taal,oo ku dhaxjirta waxyaabaha bada.
Luul kana wuxuu ku dhaxjiraa qolof tiisa,
Quruxdiisana indhahaa ku raaxaysta, ayadoo u dheer qurux iyo qiimo badan,
Qofka luulka haystana wuu ilaalin oo dhowri, ileen waa wax qiimo badane,
Gabadhu waa luul asturaadeedana xijaabka/niqaabka waa qoloftii.
Taasina waxay la midtahay gabadha xijaabata.

Labadaasi waxay ku kala duwanyihiin: Ubaxa wuu dhamaan oo dhiman Luul kase waa wax aan dhamaanayn oo waari.


'Flowers and Pearls'

The woman who doesn’t cover is like flowers;
Very pretty; smell good; nice scent – everybody likes them.
With flowers, once you get them, they’re nice and fresh.
You water them; keep changing the water to keep them alive.
However, after a while, those flowers wither away and deteriorate; die; mash up.
Now you gotta throw them away; get rid of them; dispose of them.
That is the similitude of the woman who doesn’t cover.

Now, as for the woman who does cover
She is like that of the pearl deep from the ocean floor amongst all the coral and ocean stuff.
The thing about the pearl is: it always comes in its SHELL;
Its beauty is appealing to the eye; it maintains its SACREDNESS and VALUE.
A possessor of this pearl keeps it well guarded and protected because it is something priceless.
The woman is the PEARL; her cover/hijaab/niqaab is the SHELL.
And that is the similitude of the woman who covers.

The difference between the two is; the flower diminishes and the pearl lasts.


Hamzah 'HH2O' Hakim
Copyright ©2010

Random reflections @ tea time (RRTT)

Life is unpredictable. It forces us to experience numerous trials, enjoy success, dream for better living, hope for the best, and appreciate different cultures, traditions and viewpoints. They say life is short and therefore we must live it to the fullest and enjoy the few days we have on this earth. However, how can life be short when we experience happiness, sorrow, love, confusion, heartbreaks, etc almost every minute of the hour?

Allah has blessed us with many great people whom we are without doubt grateful to have in our lives. Sometimes we meet people for a minute and they almost instantly impact our lives. And, who said one must know a person intimately for that person to make you smile? Happiness can be derived from that one person you always meet at the bus stop and wave to without ever knowing their name. That one person who brings a smile on your face. That one person you see at the corner of some street, bus or perhaps once in a lifetime encounter somewhere.

Happiness does not mean much when the heart is not content. And, the heart is not content if the mind is wandering around. Sometimes those who we hold dear to our hearts end up being the ones who hurt it the most. In moments like that you feel as though they are stepping on your heart almost without mercy. It pierces right through your chest. Hurts. Yet, like an idiot who hasn’t learned a lesson it wanders around that individual – hoping against hope that things might change someday. It longs for that embrace. But how do you explain to it that some hearts aren’t meant to love back? They are only taught to hurt.

Regrets are attached to those experiences we haven’t learned lessons from. The good, the bad and the ugly experiences of life are valuable and if one can changes their perceptive – any lesson will be turned into a moment worth experiencing. A moment worth living for. A lesson well learned.

We spend our time and effort sometimes caring for those who do not even acknowledge our existence. We cry for peace when day after day all we see is ongoing battles being fought harder.

We proclaim to live by the truth and courage yet we turn blind eye to things that matter at moments when we should speak. In other occasions our mouth runs faster than western union.

How unpredictable and beautiful life can be!♥

-Halima Ahmed
Copyright © 2010

JABKANI MAXAY TAHAY

noloshayda jeex baan

jigjiga ku dhamaystoo

u jeelanaa nabadoo

waliba u jiboon jiray

gumaysigaba haa jiro

jeelashaba haa buuxo

jabisadii axmaareed

haaba i dul jiiftee

jidkaas baan doortoo

hadaan jahwareersanayn

jiriricada maqaarkiyo

jiidhkoo i dhaqaaqiyo

jabkani maxay tahay?


jifada iyo xigtada iyo

jeeskayga oo idil

sow jaajuus xidhiyo

nacab jaanis uma helin

mana jecli dagaaloo

nabadaan la jeel ahay

juuqayga hadalkana

dhag loo ma jeediyee

jidkaas baan doortoo

hadaan jahwareersanayn

jiriricada maqaarkiyo

jiidhkoo i dhaqaaqiyo

jabkani maxay tahay?


jamaal badan dhulkaygow

kaama xiisa jabin wali

danood iyo jarar iyo

hareeraha jarati iyo

jeexdiniyo shilabiyo

beeraha jinacsaniyo

naftu waxay jamatay

jawiga dhagaxbuur

jidkan aan qaadan rabo

ku jahwareeri maayee

jiriricada maqaarkiyo

jiidhkoo i dhaqaaqiyo

jabkani wuu iska tagi



Ahmad Jilaani Runsheeg
Copyright ©2010

"In the 10th of June"

"There was a time in year 2010....
"Billions stand, hold and waved....
"In the 10th of June ....
"There was a moment....
"Out of darkness a flag was raised....
"Raised in front of countless eyes without being hide...
"The blue flag held up high with power, freedom and enormous pride....
"In the 10th of June....
"There was a moment....
"The clock stopped ....
"A measure of thousands high jumped...
"Heartbeats got faster, breath was taken away...
"The most beautiful flags were flying on a marvelous , beautiful day ....
"With all those colourful flags...
"Most of them were prominent, some kept in bags.....
"Between them this one was all the highest...
"A little weird to the rest, but sure the best of the best....
"Hold and waved by a friend...
"Who closed his eyes hoping for a country that he represent...
"Children, mothers, politicians and even a refugee....
"Were overwhelmed with joy and happiness as they pray to let it be....
"In the 10th of June.....
"There was a moment....
"We may forget for seconds the conflicts that we have back home....
"But in South Africa on the 10th of June it was more like a miracle to some...
"It's impossible to forget this day....
"Exactly after 9 days ending May...
"Raise your flag no matter what, was that day the motto...
"Don't bother what they will say about it , just raise it with all your macho...
"In a picture of honor and hope...
"And pray...pray...pray for a day that billions hold up the same flag...
"Like K'naan on the 10th of June with the blue Somali flag....
"Shining in a remarkable history....
"Hoping to be remembered in a future story...
"In the 10th of June .....

My heart has a mouth
Yassie
Copyright © 2010

BE GREATFUL!

To feel pain is agonizing,
When one is hurt and starts realizing.
That feeling of pain is not a pleasant one,
That it can happen at anyplace and anytime to anyone.

When a person feels the gift of health,
They feel happy and full of wealth.
Their heart is filled with glee,
When they’re in the open, breathing the fresh air and start to flee.

But they’re mind is asleep,
They don’t thank Allah for good food they eat.
They have eyes to see and ears to hear,
While others can’t even speak, think or even shed a tear.

When one feels sad,
They retreat from the rest and start to go mad.
They’re confused and are all alone,
Its quite, empty and there’s no-one at home.

But there’s Allah (the all mighty) that will always guide you.
It doesn’t hurt to kneel down and pray,
To thank Allah that you live night and day.

Abadir Hashi
Copyright © 2010

-Storiestold- #2

Part one: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=429176778477

Some may see
and think of me as some kind of ex-military
revolutionary.
Or an anti-establishment victim
who got caught up in the system.
Or a quasi-political, left-winged radical
but I merely advocate for politics that are practical.
Life means a struggle with pain
I can't see the sunny days for the rain
I feel like losing control and going insane
But through this poetry I release my pain
Calming my brain
So, I'm not a radical extremist seeking a final solution
although when I do talk of revolution,
its not a revolution in terms of tearing down
but a revolution in terms of turning around.
Seeking not to revolt but to revolve.
I seek solutions and resolve.
And I ain't been in the military
but I am militant.
Although I mean my fellow man no ill intent,
I seem to be the one they wonder and worry about
while I'm figuring out, the way
the game gets played.
Because I don't have to be an ex-convict
released from a lengthy prison stint
to know that the prison industry complex
ain't but so complex.
Or that there is nothing to see.
A perfect match for our erased mentality.
No voices
except for screams of pain, frustration, and agony.
The condition of my people remains sad to see
Its Ignorance that,
equals the unsanctioned political debate
that gets discussed amongst cellmates.
Jailbait for the socially conscious.
Exposing the game.
Imposing the shame on their conscience
Lined with death, Ahead of life.
Some believe my perception is in vain,
But my perception deeply comes from pain,
Their obsession with perfection has caused
me dare hesitation
I see things differently, I don’t see people for who they are
but who they want to be.
I am what Im going to be
Don’t show me your dirty smiles I’d love you to hate me.
I Provide the,
Vaccine from this ‘stupid’ flu
An unwelcoming helping hand to the legal Arrogant
Thoughts well-prepared, Actions are elegant.
Hated
Yet Our service,
Are all valued highly but also regarded as worthless.
I fade into my shadow. I don’t justify the ruthless
What is defined as a extremist?
The Muslim man who ain't got shit?!?
Or that green eyed, star spangled beast?
I say, "no justice- no peace"
because that's the way she wants it.
She flosses and she flaunts it.
Unwarranted? ,Undoubtedly,
”Eternity thou lie, Ethnicity shall cry
And so Equality will die
Encounter Thy, Enemy are you?
Learn, Inhale, Envy I.”.

Mukhtar Mohamed Copyright © 2010