Mustafa

Mustafa I once had a friend called Mustafa

A very dedicated teacher in Sigli who

lived hand-to-mouth from day-to-day

Yet as happy as the richest man in the world could be

My friend Mustafa disappeared one night

kidnapped by men with guns, they said

to never return and this is already 10 days since

no word, no news, no trace

Mustafa was a good man

his only sin was his belief in freedom of speech

stood up whenever he found injustice had been done

never considered it could cost him his life

My friend Mustafa is gone

leaving behind a wife and three kids

and yet other Mustafas will be born

and nothing can stop them from revealing the truth

because what we believe can not be bought

and what we believe can not be killed

(my grief over Aceh)

-- By Handayani Pratowo