By Abdi-Noor Hagi Mohamed
Saturday, April 21, 2007
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Mogadishu |
Mogadishu is the capital city of Somali and it is also the seat of all commercial activities taking place in the country. But the wars have diminished its commercial and business might. Mogadishu is the heart of Somali unity.
It is also the eye of tribal hurricane that had swept across the country and led to the destruction of the city and the entire nation of Somalia. The current war in Mogadishu had resulted the death and destruction of property and a massive displacement of more one third of its inhabitants.
There was a time when peace was plenty and the people enjoyed the gently breeze of its bountiful ocean or enjoyed the budding flowers of the spring in the Gerdiinooyinka of Mohamed Somali, Daljirka Daahsoon, Hawa Tako etc.
There was a time when after a day of watching football at the Mogadishu Stadium we relaxed at the biibitooyinka to have a bite of Bur and Sambuus or kac kac and rooti. Don’t forget that some of us took Bajiya and basbaas or such sweets like Halwa Hilaal or Ghazali.
Right after Maghrib prayers we set off to the city as some of us veered or made a swerve to the direction of Restaurants to take Mufo-Qamiir and saliid macsaro amid shouts of Kamaryeri balancing plates through groggy tables.
There was a time when Mogadishu offered pleasant moments to both girls and boys and to people of all ages. Now, having been reduced to mere ashes of the past or otherwise buried under the rubble of its history, Mogadishu can not offer anything of the sort.
Our once beautiful city of Mogadishu is a victim of civil war and bombardments. Let's listen to what Mogadishu says about its current situation and its fading splendor and beauty.
What have I done wrong?
I used to be a city of peace
But now I am a den of war
I used to be a city of love
But now I am a cave of hatred
I used to be the center of unity
But now I am a mark of disunity
I used to be a living beauty
But now I am a dreadful fiend
I am beaten and down-trodden
Gang-raped by Lords of War
Trampled upon by gunmen
Crushed by monsters of greed
Pounded with heavy artillery
But at the end of the tunnel
I see a glimmer of hope
Sparkling in all directions
I see a candle of peace
Glowing in the land of love
One day Somalia shall unite
I shall be consoled and cheered up
With palms that generate comfort
And my tears shall be wiped out
Before they dry in my eyes
By Abdi-Noor Haji Mohamed
Writer and Filmmaker
Mogadishu, Somalia
E-mail: [email protected]