Poems for Births, Deaths and Marriages
The new year suggested a podcast about fresh beginnings, renewal and rebirth. Unfortunately, this is impossible because all poems are about death.
The new year suggested a podcast about fresh beginnings, renewal and rebirth. Unfortunately, this is impossible because all poems are about death.
‘Gaarriye’ is regarded as one of the most important Somali poets of the twentieth century. Listen to this poem translated by W N Herbert and Maxamed ‘Alto’ Xasan.
This week’s poem is by ‘Gaarriye’ from Somalia and has been translated by WN Herbert and Martin Orwin, read first in English by Martin Orwin and then in Somali by ‘Gaarriye’.
Listen to ‘Self-Misunderstood’ by Maxamed Xaashi Dhamac ‘Gaarriye’ read in English translation by W N Herbert and then in Somali by Gaarriye.
Listen to ‘Death of a Princess’ by Maxamed Xaashi Dhamac ‘Gaarriye’ from Somalia. Read, poet David Harsent’s reflections on translating Gaarriye for Poetry Translation Centre’s 2005 World Poet’s Tour.