An Anthology of Somali Poetry [Paperback]

This is a fascinating and unusual collection that deserves attention. Bloomsbury Review

... this anthology of poetry is a breath of fresh air. It provides the reader with the means of gaining a deeper insight into Somali life through what is to the Somalis their most important cultural form, namely, poetry. Bulletin of the School of Irental & African Studies

This affordable and beautifully produced book is a small jewel in the field of Somali studies, as it is the fruit of over forty years of dedicated linguistic and literary scholarship by one of the most thorough and accurate translators and analysts of Somali poetry, B. W. Andrzejewski. International Journal of African Historical Studies

Somalia has been called a nation of poets. This volume makes available in beautiful English translation the very best, and most universal, of Somali poetry, from the 19th century to the present. With appendixes covering the oral and written medium, the pronunciation of Somali words, alliteration and scansion, selected bibliography, and sources.

Introduction

The Poems
Raage Ugaas
1 To the Camels
2 A Broken Betrothal
3 A Horse Beyond Compare
4 Riposte to a Young Opponent in a Poetic Duel
5 Old Age

Xirsi Garaad Faarax Wiilwaal
6 A Young Sultan Speaks to His People

Cali Bucul
7 Guulside, the Victory Bearer

Aadan-Gurey Maxamed Cabdille
8 Seventy and Ten Years

Faarax Afcad
9 Camel Rustling1

Qawdhan Ducaale
10 Camel Rustling2

Cali Jaamac Haabiil
11 The Death of a Friend

Maxamed Cabdille Xasan
12 A Fine War Horse
13 A Land of Drought
14 Treason
15 A Terrible Journey
16 Folly
17 Perhaps the Trumpet Has Sounded
18 A Prayer for Maryam

Xuseen Maxamuud Faarax known as Xuseen Dhiqle
19 The Lions Share

Ismaaciil Mire
20 Change of Command
21 A Hoopoe Rebuked
22 Listen, O Truck
23 Fleeting Joys
24 What Will Come Next?