Ra'is

Once upon a time, in a land far away, There lived a leader, the Raʾīs they say. With wisdom and courage, he led the way, A chief among chiefs, every single day. The Raʾīs was a title, so grand and so true, It meant he was the boss, in all that he'd do. From Arabic to Persian, the word would translate, A leader, a president, so great! In Swahili, too, the word held its might, For the Raʾīs was the president, shining so bright. No matter the language, the meaning was clear, A leader to guide, to protect and to steer. In Ottoman Turkey, a captain he'd be, Reis was the title, for all to see. With strength and with honor, he'd sail the sea, A leader of sailors, as brave as can be. The Raʾīs, a title with a history so vast, From pre-Islamic times, it has truly surpassed. From village headman to a leader so grand, The Raʾīs, the chief, the one in command. Random page: ITA Award for Best Actress - Drama