SUFI POETRY IN SOMALI

Do not listen [to the words which say]: 'The earth

will be thoroughly soaked by the dew" and damp mist

of last night.'

(Text 10/89-90)

226.

The positive associations which are linked with the image

of rain are further illustrated by the reference to Sheekh
Cabdisalaam Xaaji Jaamac, in a panegyric poem composed in
his praise, as the rain that has satisfied the needs of the
people:
Roobkii noo da1ayow, raalli noo noqoyow

o rain that has come for us, 0 you who have

satisfied us

(Text 20/12)

When used as an image ln Somali poetry, the loud and

rumbling noise of thunder does not normally evoke fear and

anticipation of danger; on the contrary, it is regarded

as an auspicious sign which portends happiness and prosperity.

However, in the event that this favourable sign does not

bring the joyous expectations, there is something that is

ominously wrong as is implied in this line:

Onkod roob ah uurada da'doon, oonka kaa bi'iniri

Thunderous rains and torrential downpours which do

not quench your thirst!

(Text 25/21)

The images of wells and springs have a particularly strong

appeal for the pastoralists since without them survival is

often impossible in the rainless season. In the following

Ilne, the rushing water in the middle of the arid plains

is seen by the poet as a propitious image. The image conveys