http://... in 1920, Hawa Jibril has composed poems in the oral tradition of her culture since she was 12, exploring the impact of war, nation-building and dramatic changes in women's roles that have marked Somalia's development. We celebrate the release of her first book, which links oral&written literature to the political and social forces of traditional culture, colonialism, feminism and national liberation.The title of the book - And Then She Said, Saa Waxay Tiri - comes from a Somali ritual phrase that is used to introduce a poet (usually male). Hawa's book does indeed draw us into a captivating tale, crossing time and space - from camel herding to gun battles, from desert shrubs to city streets, from the boldness of youth to the sorrow and wisdom of age, from Mogadishu's turmoil to a Toronto high-rise -- as one woman's life and poems speak for thousands of others who, like Hawa Jibril, have braved perilous bridges, adapted and changed, and ended up living, with often un-noticed talents and distinctions, in our own Canadian cities.
This event was a Book Reading event at Columbus State University (Columbus, Ohio)
I shed tears, She really touched me, becaus reading her dream and her age, for what she wished had not became true, knowing that made me shed tears. Im sorry ayeeyo Hawa. Im sorry Somalia. I hope your grand kids can see peacefull Somalia. For we have not seen this dream you had.
bartamaha(August 16, 2008 at 12:33 am)
First book from an 88 year old Somali Renowned Oral Poet And Then She Said, Saa Waxay Tiri - The Poetry and Times of Hawa Jibril
