RAHMATA

Introduction:

According to Hausa prosodists like Professor Bello Sa’id, the Arabic meter Muqtadab traditionally comes with a defect in the root of its first foot ( - - - - instead of - - - v ). In the above poem, unlike in the previously two poems I composed on the meter (Godiya and Card Reader), I have tried to keep the foot intact – without the traditional defect. Though the defective meter resonates more with Hausa syntax, this poem, nevertheless, shows that the defect can be done away with totally if a composer wishes to.

The poem is also a poly-rhyme couplet, contrary to the mono-rhymic structure of the Hausa poem. Though unusual in Hausa, poly-rhyme couplets are common in Arabic literary compositions. The corpus juris of Arabic grammar, the Alfiyya of Ibn Malik, is an example. Whether future Hausa composers will indulge in this violation of one of the fundamental features of Hausa poetic structure, remains to be seen, though Rahmata may not be the first.

This poem does not address Rahmata alone. As the indigenous film industry expands, more actors and actresses will be tempted – or persuaded – to cross the cultural redline – as she did. Hausaland will not remain the same. Like other hitherto closed cultures, global trends in communication will continue to break its shell, very much to our distaste. While we remain helpless in the face of the global flood, it will not be inappropriate to remind us of its consequences and plead for moderation in such indulgence.

I convey this subtly in the poem, fully acknowledging the common platform of sin and guilt which – as mortals – we share with the likes of Rahmata. In the end, the forgiveness and guidance of God that we crave for, remains for them as much as it is for us.

RAHMATA

1. Sarki ga shi nai sammako
Ya Allah ka min taimako.

2. Ƴar waƙa na so zan yi yau
Fatata ta zo mun da kyau.

3. Zan tsara a kan muƙtadab
Don ƴar nan ta zam mai ladab.

4. Yarinya idan kin fice
Dan kyau kar ki zam kin ɓace.

5. Duk assha ki faɗa masa
Kar gobe ki zam kin rasa.

6. In niyyarki bin duniya
Kwanan nan kina wai-niya.

7. Don halinta ne ɗaukaka
Bayan nan ko sai hallaka.

8. Paris har da New York daɗa
Las Vagas garin tambaɗa.

9. Tarbarki da busa, kiɗi
Gayu sun yi caa ba faɗi

10. Sheɗanu suna yin biki
Duk kunya su yaye miki.

11. Ba riga, zani, kallabi
Duk sunna ya zam ba ki bi.

12. Bayan kin nitse gun ɓata
Dunya ba abin tabbata.

13. Girma za ya zo ko ƙiba
In kin zo a ce, “Ke haba!”

14. Kullum sai cikin damuwa
Ba rol babu mai son zuwa.

15. Ƴan yara da kyawun sifa
Sirara da kyawun ƙafa.

16. Su ne za a dauka a sa
Ke kau an gama sai ƙasa.

17. Ƴar Fillo ina za ki ne?
Saurare ni ko ƙanƙane.

18. Vegas ba Elisha Cutbert
Sannan ba su Lacey Chadert.

19. Rachel Cook ina yau take?
Mandy Moore a yau ta fake.

20. Suna duk idan ya zube
Gawa ce idan ta ruɓe.

21. Manya sun nasiha suna
Don Allah ki dawo mana.

22. Ƴar Fillo nasiha guda
Tsoron Jalla kullum daɗa.

23. Zazzau har Kano, Jos Kwata
Fata kar ki zam kin ɓata.

24. Zam godewa Sarkin duka
Bin sunna ki zam kin riƙa.

25. Shi laifi tudu na sani
Hau naka ka hango mini.

26. Laifina da tarin yawa
Jinƙan Jalla ya mar yawa.

27. Laifina ya dala yake
Fata Jalla ba bincike.

28. Ya Allah ka shiryar da mu
Zan jinƙanmu ya Rahimu.

29. Sarki Rabbi nai tambaya
Ran gobe idan an tsaya.

30. Laifi nawa har Rahmata
Yafe min, ka yafe mata.

31. Tsira kan sa Al-Mustafa
Bawan nan da kab ba Shafa.

32. Tammat za ni ƙare haka
Na gode wa Mai-ɗaukaka.

1 Nuwamba, 2016