I really don't understand you

By Mustofa Bisri

I really don't understand you,

nor do I know what you want me to do

What are you like, really?

You said I'm free

Yet you decide everything for me

You asked me to use my rational capacity

After I had done it you branded me an infidel

(...)

I really don't know what you are

You said God is near us

But you always call His name

through blaring loudspeakers

You said I'm a true peace lover, right?

But why everyday you challenge me to a fight?

What do you really want me to do?

You asked to join the development program

I erected buildings but you came to tear them down

You said my money had to be deposited

But after I saved, you just swindled it

What are you really up to?

You asked me to work in my paddy field

But you build houses on it at your will

You said that I had to own a home

After I got one you pulled it down

(...)

What should I do?

You asked me to elect you as my representative

Elect you I did, but after that you breached my trust

You promised not to forget my concerns

But you always feel irritated

every time I try to talk to you

What do really want me to be like?

You told me to vent my feelings

But no sooner had I spoken than you dubbed me garrulous

When I kept quiet you said I was apathetic

I just want to know,

Why do you always put me in the wrong?

You asked me to criticize the deplorable conditions

But when I did you got mad at me

In confusion you asked me to find alternatives

But after I did you accused me of giving you directives

(...)

I really don't understand you

Tell me, what kind of person are you?

(Translated by: TIS)

The Sunday Post will occasionally print poems in addition to its regular short stories. Today we present a poem of a Moslem ulema who is also an expert on Islamic law.

-- Editor