Poem of simmering people

Since we only consume roots

while you keep huge stocks of flour ...

Since we are squeezed in small houses

while you live in spacious facilities ...

we say you are not our comrades

Since we are shabby

and you are glamourous ...

Since we look dirty

and you always close your door on us ...

we don't trust you

Since we are abandoned in the street

while you all own cozy havens ...

Since we are inundated by floods

while you enjoy yourselves in a cruiser

we simply don't like you

Since we are muzzled

while you blab continuously ...

Since we are threatened

while you force your will on us ...

We say No to you

Since we are not free to choose

while you are plotting against us ...

Since we have only slippers

while you are free to use your guns ...

Since we have to be polite to you

while you own prisons ...

we say No and a great No to you

Since we are the current in the river

while you are heartless stones

the water will ultimately wear you away

-- By W.S. Rendra

Read by the poet at Trisakti University on May 13, 1998.

Translated by TIS

Poem of May 12, 1998

In memory of Elang Mulya, Hery Hartanto Hendriawan Lesmana and Hafidhin Royan *)

Four martyrs departed that afternoon, while tears slowly streamed on cheeks the following day. We fixed our ears to the soil of the grave. Listen to the sobs.

The young ones were not alone, to carve reforms because they were bored of "deformity"; listen daily now to the footsteps of your friends, thundering in the thousands,

Student cards have been stored, school bags no longer on shoulders. You were supposed to become engineers and economists by the 21st century.

But the angels have recorded your highest grades at Trisakti and across the country, since you were dauntless in engraving the first letter of Peaceful Reform with your blood.

This national flag flown at half mast stoops under the scorching sun, unable to flap since the wind is in hiding.

Yet the bullets we have shattered with our prayers, and you, our heroes, are chaste and free from vengeance, for the road is long and we need a map from God.

-- By Taufik Ismail

Read by the poet at the Al-Azhar mosque, May 16 1998

*) Students killed by gunmen during a peaceful pro-reform demonstration at Trisakti University on May 12, 1998.

Translated by TIS