"I am Poem (2022)" by Hassen Ismail Beynah

I am from Somali Uni,

From Anjero (Somali Pancake) and Shaax (Somali tea)

I am from the Quran Book and Tusbax (Prayer Beads)

I am from black seed oil and traditional curtains

I am from the prayer mat on the floor (Colorful and Calmful

Felt soft under your feet)

I am from the Grewia Penicillata

The frankincense tree

The smell that presented itself from a mile away

I am from eyeglasses and computers

From Khadra Badal to Ismail Beynah

I am from praying and studying from "Don't question the religion."

"Did you pray today?"

I am from In the name of Allah, the merciful and compassionate

I am from Somalia, and the sweet smell of tea in the morning,

From the near-death

experience of my mother

Birthing me and my twin

The prayers she performed every day to receive twins

I am the tears my family cried

From the loss of my brother and father

The family photo album created by Dad over his lifetime

I am from the photos that my dad cherished

The kids my brother left behind

I am from all these things, helping me holding on to those I love.

I am Hassen Ismail Beynah

Bio: "My name is Hassen Beynah, I write poems only when I feel called to, each one is a reflection of something I needed to say or sit with. Writing has always been a way for me to process, reflect, and sometimes just wonder aloud. I’m getting back to it now, and I hope you find something here that resonates. These are poems, or maybe just random thoughts. Either way, hope you enjoy."

(Socials: hassenbainah)