Yussuf Muktar Poems

O' Muslims; O' faithfuls; O' people of Mandera County,
Former dwelling with secure and well content
Whose provisions did come in abundance from every place
Through our filthy hands now turns ghost and gloom
...

Flowers and light, therein I am found
Always happy, always flying
Beautifully colored, so is my mind
My wings and flaps carry no bombs
...

Confused at this very crossroad
I held my cheeks high in dismay
After a glimpse of new looks
Of mean skinny milk-less goats
...

I blindly celebrate in a gloomy mood
As my right hand is chopped ruthlessly off
By the very left hand that stood nearer
In spoiling the good they could scoop
...

I belong to the circle of the Wise;
Honored by age, privileged by time.
Necessity of unwarranted unity;
Hanging on a thin line of interest;
...

Ripped apart, divided and ruled-
Our brave emperors turned slaves,
In favour of the deadly arch foe,
That always yearned for our blood.
...

Fleers and Flouts
Frightened by the wave
Pressure from tidings
Eyes popped with claim
...

I share my play in the wilderness,
Forested by bitter herbs and shrubs
I hide and seek in a sweet game,
With brethren, together born and bred!
...