Dream in Amsterdam

Have you happened to ask yourself, dear

when and where you suddenly

became close to me?

Perhaps you could not believe

yourself then

that I had got to know you

far beyond your name

But later in your dreams

you composed long stories

about how warm was our friendship

In winter, when snow covered all wheat fields

and hay in your storehouse

the fruit of your hard work

in summer

Today it's still clearly in my mind

how you promised to come again

before this century ends

to bring the dream

you dreamed in Amsterdam

about an equatorial land

in Southeast Asia

in a sunny dry season

by saying Goeimorgen Meneer!

Your good intention warmed my heart

so, please don't stop saying that again

However, there is no winter here

and there is no wheat either

We only have the sun

which shines all year long,

and constant rain falls on paddy fields

Please tell your fellows

that your dreams have come true

in your city, Amsterdam

since a long time ago

-- By Siti Khotijah

Translated by TIS