Voices of Awdal: Somali Wisdom and Heritage in Verse

"Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful" - Rita Dov

What does it mean to preserve a legacy through words? Somali poets answer this question with the fierce beauty and timeless wisdom of their verse.

This anthology shines a light on the voices of Awdal, a region known for its rich poetic traditions. In one poem, a leader's counsel urges vigilance against division ("or else strange plants will grow"). In another, the poet extolls the artist's sacred role as guardian of clarity and culture. Each poem is a testament to the resilience, unity, and faith of the Somali people, and a celebration of the spirit and wisdom that shape this cultural identity. A special honor is given to the late Abwan Hassan Elmi Diiriye, affectionately known as "the poet of poets" (abwaanka abwaanadda). His legacy, one of eloquence and insight, serves as the bedrock of this collection, inspiring the preservation of Somali heritage through verse.

Translated with care these works retain the depth and lyrical beauty of the original Somali poems, each of which is presented here alongside its translation. This collection not only honors the literary heritage of Awdal's great minds but also provides the young people of Somalia and readers around the world a window into a cultural legacy that continues to inspire and guide today.