ANONYMOUS SOMALI

(ca. 19th century)

Woman’s Love Song

You are so elegant in your robes,

exquisite as a jewelled ring.

Will I ever meet a man like you

whom I have seen but once?

An old umbrella comes undone;

you are strong as woven iron.

You are poured from Nairobi gold,

the first light of dawn, the blazing sun.

Will I ever meet a man like you,

you whom I have seen just once?

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