SomaliPhilosopher Posted May 8, 2013 An article for wardheernews discussing the poem Macaan iyo Qadhaadh – a Poetic Reflection of Human Duality (A poem by Ahmed Ismael Diriye (Qassim) Reviewed by A. Duale Sii'arag September 10 , 2009 In his classic poem, Macaan iyo Qadhaadh, Qassim - the late legendary Somali oral poet - in the spirit of poet-seers such as William Blake or Yeats- contextualizes his poetry on a universalistic character as opposed to the particularistic fixation of certain mundane topics that is the fashion of most contemporary Somali poets. His are classics in that they stand to time and space and address perplexing questions that are relevant to human kind no matter which geographic location that they are situated, or their belief systems or ethnicity: By that account, he is revolutionary in so many facets. Take Macaan iyo Qadhaadh, and one can discern Qassim’s revolutionary capacity to gauge the human spirit with all its warts rather eloquently. The poem speaks to the universal duality of the human constitution and the capacity of human beings to possess an inexplicable and acute propensity for both good and evil, with its inherent oppositional binaries and contradictions that subtlely steers it. It is a universal human trait that has for over a millennium brought down the saintly, the warrior, the generous hearted and all good and great men (and women)-a Hubris- and see them tumble mightily and tragically in a spectacle not unlike those of ancient Greek theatre. Like Blake, Qassim here delves into poetic themes addressed by ancient Chinese Taoist poets even though there is no factual evidence that Qassim may have read Chinese literature, much less Taoist, Eastern or even Vedantic literature. His elaboration and exposition of the Yin/Yan duality of the human character or even soul is reminiscent of the constant theme of ancient Chinese and Eastern literature and philosophy that almost make him a kindred spirit of those ancient Eastern Maguses. On another more local level, in Macaan iyo Qadhaadh, Qassim lucidly portrays not only himself but the duality of the complex Somali persona and the symbiosis of its innate split personality traits that are inherently in a state of perpetual love and hate relationships – a mere microcosmic mirror of the alternating feelings of amity and animosity between the Somali clans, the hardnosed, non-delivering political leaders and the emergent parvenu Sheikhs who are engaged in an ever-shifting alliances and allegiances. As a matter of fact, Macaan iyo Qadhaadh could be construed as an artistic depiction of present day Somali politics at its raw stage which is neither cogent nor coherent. Unlike any other politics, it is not traceably principle-based or context-driven but rooted in shifting sands; often marred with inconsistence and the absence of a national platform. Like the Somali persona, it is characteristically dynamic and asymmetrical in its application. In his book, Warriors, Life and death among the Somalis, Gerald Hanley aptly describes the complexity of the Somali character. “Of all the races of Africa, there cannot be one better to live among than the most difficult, the proudest, the bravest, the vainest, the most merciless, the friendliest: the Somalis.” Qassim was known for his outspoken exposition of national failings, philosophical erudition and foresight and for his knack of interpreting and conveying popular, groundswell sentiments of the populace through insurgent and expressive poetry. Humble, well-loved and congenial, throughout his life, he was the seminal voice for the downtrodden - a rebel with a cause who defied abusive authority and stayed course in trying times and in the face of adversity. In the spirit of H.L Mencken, his life was about “ afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted”. Metaphorically, Macaan and Qadhaadh is a mere symptomatic reflection of the many shades, attributes and imperfections of the human being, while literally it connotes the aggregate summation of the poet’s life time quest to reconcile his opposite – often contradictory - distinguishing traits. Ironically, in this classic poem, Qassim was a judge unto himself and an author of his performance appraisal. From this piece, one cannot help but think that Qassim has trained his poetic eye into the bowels and abysses of his very soul and found an uncanny commonality with a universal Human, and all too Human archetype. Let us pay tribute to our legendary poet, Ahmed Ismael Diriye (Qassim), and celebrate his immense contributions to the Somali poetry through one of his best work of art – a work he hoped to be his legacy - Macaan iyo Qadhaadh (bitter and sweet). With entrancing, flowing lyrical beauty – a typical signature of Qassim, the poem attained a household fame in the Somali peninsula. Macaan iyo Qadhaadh has been translated into English by B.W. Andrzejewski (with Sheila Andrzejewski). To the delight of music-loving young Somali generation, the poem was later immortalized by the melodic voice of our beloved late singer, oud player and lyricist Omer Dhulleh. http://wardheernews.com/Articles_09/September/Sii'arag/06_Macaan_&_Qadaadh.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SomaliPhilosopher Posted May 8, 2013 Any accomplices to join me in memorizing this poem is welcomed! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SomaliPhilosopher Posted May 8, 2013 Some words I struggled with. Feel free to drop by and clarify these words peeps Dacartuba maata daadihise mur deebaaqe Masalooyin talantaalliyaan maagista miiggan Mukhawi miis(ta) maqaam ******taane------------------------------freakin censorship the beginning of the word is the subclan of farole m a j e r Loofaroon muunad boosaystay muhato Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coofle Posted May 8, 2013 Dacar = Somali for Aloe vera (bitter aloe) maato = dadka itaalka daran (gaar ahaan caruurta iyo dadka waawayn) daadihin = "daadah dibada baro" holding a child's hand while he/she learning how to walk mur = Arabic word for Qadhaadh deebaaq = geed qadhaadh Masalooyin = Arabic word for Examples talantaali = opposite maagis = gardaraysi miigan = madax adag/ caniid ah Mukhawi = From the town of Mukha in yemen , nowdays waxa la yidhaa Maakhiri, means "Qof khiyaamo badan" miista = meel ku gura/ miisaama/ for example if you are in a shop and a somali lady says ( kiiloo sokor ah ii miis) Means ii miisaan kiiloo sokor ah. Maqaam = Arabic word for (maqaamka sheekh hebel) the Tomb of a renowned sheikh Majee.rtane= I have explained this word in the first page of this thread, Remember difference between Xan/kuunid/Majee.rasho Loofaroon = The english word Loafer .... Back in the days before I learned this forsaken language I thought it was Lover... Muunad= Midab/color booyaystay = I think , cirreystay muhato = doonto/rabto. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coofle Posted May 8, 2013 Sadexda tuduc ee ugu horeeya ayaa ugu qiimo badan gabayga....Let me try to translate with my simple pathetic english 1- Dacartuba mar bay malab dhashaa ood muudsataa dhabaqe Even the aloe -Known to be bitter- gives a nectar as sweet as honey 2-Waxaan ahay macaan iyo qadhaad meel ku wada yaale [i am] bitter and sweetness in the same place --in reference to the aloe 3-Midigtayda iyo bidixdaydu waa laba mataanoode My right and left hands are twins.. This gabay is a classic example for "Sillan-sugan" ?! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SomaliPhilosopher Posted May 11, 2013 Coofle your service is greatly appreciated. mahadsanid. marka aan abwaan noqto mahadnaq bad leedahay . Btw despite your claims of simple english, your translation seems spot on. I now understand the poem... The next to do is memorize it. I make some progress with the first few lines. In the mean time I have memorized a very short Sayids poem. I will type the poem below from memory. Sagaal nin oo walaala sideena oo sideedu isku bahtahay sidiina midkuna bah gooni yahay sidayda oo sideedu wax siri sidiina midkuna sirta ku garan sidayda haddaynu isa siri sideedaba ma iska kala tagnaa sideenaba Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SomaliPhilosopher Posted May 11, 2013 Do I have time to memorize hadraawi's hooyo laanta by tomorrow for the western holiday we call mothers day? Perhaps I can give hooyo a call with a recitation of this piece Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SomaliPhilosopher Posted May 12, 2013 This piece is very long and has become a massive undertaking. I am struggling and dont know if I can have this done by tmrw Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SomaliPhilosopher Posted May 12, 2013 a copy of the piece... Hooyoy La'aantaa Adduunyadu Hubaashii Habeen Kama Baxdeenoo Iftiin Lama Heleenoo Dadku Uma Hayaameen Dayax Heego Joogoo Sida Haad Ma Fuuleen Xiddig Hawd Ka Lulatoo hawo Laguma Gaadheen Hubka Laguma Tureen cirka Hirar Ka Muuqdoo ruuxaad Hagaysiyo dusha Midho Ku Haystaa hilin Toosan Waligii ka Habaabi Maayee Hooyoy Addoomuhu Halkay Maanta Joogaan Adigaa U Horseedee Intaad Hanad Xambaartee Haaneedka Siisee Horaaddada Jaqsiisee Habtay Baan Xisaabiyo Tiro Lagu Helayn, Marka Aad Nin Hiilloo Laga Baqo Hashiisiyo Halyey Diran Dhashaa Baa Hooyo Lagu Xasuustaa. Marka Aad Nin Hoo-loo marti Hagar Ka Gelinoo Gurigiisa Habaqluhu Isku Soo Halleeyoo xayntiisa Quudhoo Hor Ilaahay Geystiyo Lama Hure Dhashaa Baa Hooyoy Lagu Xasuustaa. Marka Aad Nin Himilada Hilin Toosan Mariyoo Hir Markii La Gaadhaba Ku Labaad Hilaadshoo haga Maatadiisoo La Higsade Dhashaa Baa Hooyo Lagu Xasuustaa. Marka Aad Nin Hooggiyo Ka Hor Taga Dagaalkoo dabka Hura Baqtiiyoo Garta Hubin Yaqaanoo Xaqa Hoos U Eegoo Halistiyo Colaadaha ku Hagoogta Dhiigoo Dadka Kala Hagaajoo Kala Hage Dhashaa Baa Hooyo Lagu Xasuustaa. Markaad Hoobal Caanoo sacabka Iyo Heelada Labadaba Hagaajoo Hindisaha Farshaxanoo Hab-dhaca Iyo Luuqdaba rabi Hibo U Siiyoo Hawraarta Maansada Heensayn Yaqaanoo Hal-abuur Dhasha Baa Hooyo Lagu Xasuustaa. Dumar Iyo Haween Baa Nolol Lagu Haweystaa Kuwa Lagu Hammiyayee Sida Hawd Caleen Wayn Rag U Wada Hamuumee Ishu Halacsanaysaa Hablahaaga Weeyee. Marka Guur La Haybshee Gabadh Heego Dheeroo Hoobaan La Moodoo Karti Iyo Hub-qaadloo Quruxdana Ka Hodanoo Hira Laga Aroostaa Hooyo Lagu Xasuustaa. Hooyoy La'aantaa Higgaad Lama Barteenoo Hooyoy La'aantaa Hadal Lama Kareenoo Ruuxaanad Habinoo Kolba Aanad Heesiyo Hoobey Ku Sabinoo Hawshaada Waayaa Hanaqaadi Maayee hooyo Taftaada dugsi Laga Helaayoo Hooyoy Dhabtaadaa Hurdo Lagu Gam'aayoo Hooyoy Dushaadaa Nabad Lagu Helaayoo Waxa Lagu Hal-maalaa Hooyo Ababintaadee Hayin Lagu Badhaadhaay Hogol Lagu Qaboobaay Gogol Lama Huraaneey Dugsigi Lagu Hirtaayee Hidde Lagu Arooraay. Intaad Hooyo Nooshahay Hambalyiyo Salaan Baan Hanti Kaaga Dhigayaa Hamrashiyo Xaq-dhowr Baan Dusha Kaa Huwinayaa, Hooyo Dhimashadaaduna Hooggayga Weeyoo Weligey Hoggaagaan Ka Dul Heesayaayoo Hiyiga Iyo Laabtaan Kugu Haynayaayoo Hengel Baan U Xidhayaa Inta Haadka Duushiyo Idil Habar Dugaaggee Ifka Hibo Ku Noolow Aakhiro Halkii Roon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SomaliPhilosopher Posted May 12, 2013 hooyo la'aanta addunyadu hubashii habeen kama baxdeeno iftiin lama heleeno dadku uma hayameen dayax heego joogo sidi haad mafuulen xidig hawd ka lulatoo hawo laguma gaareen hubka laguma tureen ruux aad hagaysiyo usha mid aad u haysaa hilin toosan weligiiha habaabii mayee hooyo addunku halku maanta jogo adigow horseedoo intaad hanad xambartee haneedka siisee horadada jaqsiisee habtay baad xisab iyo tiro lagu heleyno marka aad nin hiilo laga baqo hashishiyo halyey diran dashaabaa hooyo lagu xasuuustaa marka aad nin hoo loo gurigisa habaqluhu isku soo hayellow _______ _____________________ hooyo lagu xasuustaa marka aad nin himlada hilin toosan mariyo______________________ _____________-- hooyo lagu xasuustaa That is all i got so farrrrrrrrrr and time is running out!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coofle Posted May 12, 2013 Nice choice...Hooyooy la'aantaa is a classic.. Just listen to tubeec's Hooyooy la'aantaa while driving, or put it in your mp3 list, listen to over and over...and you will see yourself reiterating it .. it always moves me when the song reaches.. Hooyooy dhimashadaaduna hoogayga weeyoo Hengal baan u xidhayaa inta haadka duushiyo giddi habar dugaagee Ifka hibo ku noolaw Aakhirana halkii roon... I know the lyrics are not completely correct, but this is how I recall... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haatu Posted May 12, 2013 Coofle;938056 wrote: He also adds *Kub miyaan ka jabay , biixiyaan kabayo loo haynin... Most of the poem is a metaphor from the start to end...he is comparing his predicament to a fractured hip!... You see this is the hardest part for me understanding Somali poetry. To me hip is sin. Too many alternatives! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar Posted May 12, 2013 Kub iyo sin laba ayee kala yihiin, as far as I know. Then there is qoob. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SomaliPhilosopher Posted May 13, 2013 Haatu;949096 wrote: You see this is the hardest part for me understanding Somali poetry. To me hip is sin . Too many alternatives! Haatu when I read Somali poetry I always have a dictionary by my side. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SomaliPhilosopher Posted May 13, 2013 I am afraid I was not able to memorize hooyo la aanta in time for mothers day. I called her today and recited approximately 3/5 of the piece Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
