The Son’s Fragrance That Remains in the Eyes of His Mother

“Ismaaciil adiga mooyee, Adoogeen Haaji mooyee, Ayeydeen Dhoofa mooyee, Uduufaa meesha joogtee.

“Ismaaciil ogadada, udgoonaa ogadaadu, ma sixin baa lagu agloolay.”


“Ismaaciil, were it not for you, were it not for your father, Haji, were it not for your grandmother, Dhoofa — no fragrance would linger in this place. Ismaaciil, the sweetness of your scent — is it not the fragrance of your own body wrapped in good-smelling ghee?”