I am Somali - Yamyam

In these relentless days,

if you have been truly alive,

reflect on past times,

trace back the lines,

ask yourself:

Who is Somali?

No-one who breathes oppresses me.

Because I believe in equality

no-one is placed above me.

When you come to visit me

see no half-hearted hospitality.

I AM SOMALI

To those of you who say you care

whilst threatening me with chains,

you’re like a vessel full of holes,

your two-faced treachery leaking away.

Attempts to betray me will never hold sway.

I AM SOMALI

Although I have nothing, my head is high,

I do not beg, I am rich inside with

self-respect, dignity and pride.

If you’re my foe, I’ll never be subdued,

if you’re my friend, my whole heart is for you.

I AM SOMALI

The way ahead is hard, but clear.

My journey will be grievous

though my borders are well-known.

My sword brings danger and misery,

my soul already hangs on the tree.

I AM SOMALI

The man who can harm me barely exists,

but if he comes close, he’ll find I resist.

Should victory be mine, I will not oppress,

any wronged man will regain his rights,

and even my enemies treated justly.

I AM SOMALI

I dread war, always search for peace,

but from enemies I will not flinch,

if they get too close, I’ll defend myself,

won’t turn my face from hostility,

no coward am I –

I AM SOMALI

Swift as the wind yet

not a man of impulse,

toxic as venom yet

swathed in patience, I seek

to bring goodness wherever it’s needed.

I AM SOMALI

To the man who will not consider my view,

I won’t be forced to comply with you,

joining with others all over the world,

I’ll shake off the chains of my oppressors,

servant to no-one, unburdened, free.

I AM SOMALI

Though you have far more wealth than me,

don’t come with patronising charity,

your false praise I do not crave,

I do not sleep, I’m wide awake,

your hollow promises cannot persuade.

I AM SOMALI

While I grazed my cattle, you came to divide,

like livestock you scattered me far and wide,

but my branding you can never hide;

my task now – to do what’s right,

my duty is clear – to re-unite.

I AM SOMALI

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Yamyam [Abdulqadir Hersi Siyaad] (1946–2005) Somalia

Translated by The Somali-English Poetry Collective

Source: Modern Poetry in Translation [published in The Constellation, 2014 No. 2]