Somalia Freedom

 In a land where war is much more than a threat,
Somalians strive for freedom with blood and sweat.
Eighty-five per cent of its people are indeed tolerated
In this dry desert land, which they call home fated.
Drought is common, humanitarian aid sporadic.
Famine death lingers close; children are getting sick.
Believing only the strong survive,
Morals are often sacrificed to stay alive.
Pirates have little to fear, as they have little to lose,
While local governments are still influenced by tribal rules.
Strides have been made for women recently,
As women now make up 30 per cent of the parliamentary.
When food is available, meat and rice are preferred.
Camel’s milk is more plentiful than cow’s, with much bigger herds.
Flavoured with turmeric, the food can be a bit spicy.
With frequent droughts, the favourite foods can be a little pricey.
Men traditionally wear Macawis, yet jeans and T-shirts are commonplace.
Women, on the other hand, wear Guntinos draped about their waists.
Muslim influence is strong in both attire and tradition,
Yet women’s faces are not hidden as much, a welcome addition.
Political unrest from without and within
Keeps peace elusive with all these different spins.
Cities lie in rubble; unrest is everywhere.
How soon the world forgets—how few genuinely care.
As of 2018, 2.7 million Somalians were internally displaced,
Living in refugee camps or on the streets in poverty and disgrace.
Who will hear their cries? Who will even see?
We need to stop asking who, and start saying me!