Shai’, Something, (with neg.) Nothing. Shāy, Tea. Shiwā’ [pronounced Shiyā’ in Sudan], Grilled Meat.
-Wehr
It was easy to cross-pronounce these words, but on the trail, after the pot had boiled, it mattered little. Holding out my empty glass, eyes full of longing and my body begging for sugar, Ibrahim the Cook could have told me anything once it had brewed. Something. Nothing. Shāy. Kubb! Pour! Shiyā’ Tomorrow, In Shā’a Allah.