ብርሃነ ኅሊና

Berhane Heleena (ብርሃነ ኅሊና — translating to "The Light of the Mind")

is one of the most iconic and foundational poetry anthologies in modern Amharic literature. Written by the legendary intellectual, cabinet minister, and educational pioneer Kibur Dr. Kebede Michael, the book compiles beautifully structured, rhyming verses that serve as accessible moral fables and philosophical musings. Using memorable, allegorical metaphors—such as his famous poem Hulat Melatoch (Two Bald Men Fighting Over a Comb)—Kebede explores themes of wisdom, human folly, national pride, integrity, and spiritual discipline. The text remains a timeless, classic resource heavily used in Ethiopian literacy curriculum to foster ethical self-reflection and sharp intellectual reasoning in young minds.