Somali gabay represents the richness and the depth of the Somali language as it conveys thought provoking messages with a few measured words .Some of the key terms in Somali poetry include:
1.Hoojis iyo Hooris ..A Somali gabay consist of two parts that are rythymically
conjoined.The first part is called Hoojis and second one is Hooris .The horris should have to be less wordy and sublime for a greater effect .
Examples from classical poems
Marka duraha jiilaal kacee,....dooga la idleeyo
Duurka iyo dayada hawd markay .....debec kusoo oonto
Laaskuu ku dalaandoolin jiray....lagu degi waaye
Alla daw guduudii Wardheer....kama durduurtaane
(Cali Dhuux)
Xuseenow jigraar lama hadlee,..... jaalkay baa tahaye
Adaan iga jadeer wicin markuu,...... Jaahilkii didaye
Janhoo adaan qaban markuu,...... jiitay gacalkaaye
(Sayyid Maxamad)
2.Qaafiyad -This is the most significant part of Somali poetry .The poem should have a key letter which forms the unique rythymic effect of the gabay when recited aloud .The Key letter should not change throughout the poem and it should occur at least TWICE in every line .Based on the key letter ,poems can be categorised as DEELLEEY,SIINLEEY ,CAYNLEEY etc.
Deelleey example
Caliyoow
Dabuubtaada gabay,
Daa'inkaa Wadaye
Dabaylaha xagaagii dhiciyo,
Daafigaa Sidaye
Noo
Dooji ,dooggiyo sidii ,
dararta xoolaade
(Qamaan Bulxan )
Siinleey
1.In dhawaydba
siinlayda gabay ,waan ka
saahidaye
2.
Sadar muuqda ,
saanqaad lahoo,
suganti waayeel ah
3.
Sawir guud kumaan bixin murtida,
saaca waayadane
(Abwaan Kaadheeri)
Ha'leey
Haadaaqsi gabay waayo dheer,
haanso ma lahayne
Hiirtaanyadiisaan ku nacay,
hibashadiisiiye Hawaala warran mooyee si kale, wawga
haayiraye
(Salaan Carabeey)
3.hab dhaca maansada .... The key letter occurs at least twice in a poetic line .Three is also common .Four key Alliterative letters are not common but still can be found in some poems esp when describing or listing things or qualities
