Cusbitaalka boholyowga
‘The hospital of longing’
Poem by Xasan Daahir Ismaaciil ‘Weedhsame’
Text is as recited on a Voice of America (VoA) broadcast
Translation by Abdihakim Omer and Christina Woolner
The pill of love
Take it to get better
Taxlii [blessed holy water] of the suffering
Drink three cups per day
The counter-charm of the sufferer
Wear it on the wrist and neck
If the disease will not leave
In the love hospitals
Lie down [to get away] from your frustrations
[In the] hospital of longing
The patients are weak
The people thinner than a toothbrush stick
Being awake [through the night] is normal
The syringe [IV drip] is the cuud
The food is qaraami
You wear only red clothes
Other clothes you would not wear
There are sheikhs in the area
Giving famous lessons
Their first lesson [medication] is
The person who is not your destiny
Don’t criticize [them]
When she gets divorced
Or his hair turns grey
You may get married
Don’t criticize the love