Our stretched-out Earth
Our planet earth lays stretched out
its body is full
of open wounds
It is loosing its breath
like a strained rope
which is about to break
by just one tear
But it's incredible
because it's not easy to break
although many arrogant people
are trying hard to cut it off
with a show of arrogance
What should we do
if it is really broken?
Even the sun is watching with anxiety
Oh, our planet earth
what ails you?
To save you, is there anything I can do?
Oh, angels in heaven
Oh, all ghosts and apparitions
who are in a bad position
Please join my prayer and say Amen;
Allah, please save our Earth
Oh, rains, winds and storms
Oh, lands and oceans
which are under pressure
Please join my prayer and say Amen:
Allah, please save our Earth
Oh, mountains, rocks and stones
Oh, birds and grass
which have been cast away
Please join my prayer and say Amen:
Allah, please save our Earth
Oh, fallen leaves
Oh, scattered flowers
for which nobody cares
Please join my prayer and say Amen:
Allah, please save our Earth
Oh, all creeping creatures
Oh, common citizens
who are always forgotten
Please join my prayer and say Amen:
Allah, please save our Earth
Oh, red soil which absorbs blood
Oh, souls of subservient martyrs
Please join my prayer and say Amen:
Allah, please save Your Earth
Oh, saints who guard all corners of this planet
Oh, masters who reside over the winds
Please join my prayer and say Amen:
Allah, please save Your Earth
Oh, helpless and oppressed people
Oh, sacred and peaceful souls
Please join my prayer and say Amen:
Allah, please save Your Earth
Amen.
Sign of the Times
How can I understand the sign of the times?
when drought and rain
come no more in the right season
The rivers now flow upward
confusing the sea
and the mountain
The roads have been extended
and added with so many forks
but they lead nowhere
How can I understand the sign of the times?
the sun has been hidden for the whole day
in the refrigerator of a rich family
and the moon, the stars
have fallen captives of thugs
How can I understand the sign of the times?
every day new babies are born
but facts are buried
and the meanings are confusing
(to which word are they attached?)
and words are also jumbled
what do they really mean?
How can I understand the sign of the times?
forest officials have plundered the jungles
coast guards have polluted the beach
naval officers have pillaged marine resources
mountain guards have detonated foothills
protectors of life have killed people
even slaves have been at a loss
as they are left by their own souls
How can I understand the sign of the times?
-- A. Mustofa Bisri
Translated from Wekwekwek by TIS