Somalis have long been known as a “nation of poets,” a term popularized by 19th-century English explorer Richard Francis Burton. Oral literature, orature, remains central to Somali culture, shaping history, identity, and political discourse. Poetry, theatrical songs, and proverbs carry deep social and political influence, capable of mobilizing communities toward war or peace. The respected words of skilled poets are highly valued, and their oratorical skill is seen as a measure of intellect and leadership. Anthropologist I.M. Lewis documented how poetry has historically fueled both revenge and reconciliation, reflecting its dual role in Somali society. One striking example of poetic influence is the Guba chain of poems in the 1930s, rooted in the aftermath of the Daraawiish defeat by British forces and the Issaq clan’s rise. Ali Dhuh, a prominent poet, celebrated the Issaq victory, prompting Qaman Bulhan, a fellow Daarood poet, to accuse him of “pastoral hypocrisy” – inflaming clan rivalries while ignoring shared Islamic values. Qaman’s response urged peace, condemning hypocrisy and violence against fellow Muslims. His poem, rich in Somali proverbs, became a timeless lesson in the dangers of inflammatory rhetoric, illustrating how poetry remains a potent force in Somali cultural and political life.