Unlike European literary traditions, Somali poetry was never fully “authored” in writing until the 20th century. Hundreds of poems existed in living memory. A xul (selection) is an act of canonization – choosing which voices survive.
Halkan waa maqaal dhamaystiran oo dhameystiran oo ku saabsan "gabayo xul ah af soomaali." gabayo xul ah af soomaali
Gabayo xul ah af Soomaali, which translates to "selected Gabayo poems in Somali," refers to a collection of the most revered and celebrated Gabayo poems. These poems have been carefully selected and preserved over the years, and are highly regarded for their literary merit and cultural significance. The poems cover a wide range of themes, including love, war, peace, and social issues. Unlike European literary traditions, Somali poetry was never
Suugaanta Soomaalidu waxay hodan ku tahay abwaanno magac weyn ku leh taariikhda. Halkan waxaa ku yaal tusaalooyin gabayo xul ah: Halkan waa maqaal dhamaystiran oo dhameystiran oo ku