To those missing in a storm *)

Since you mysteriously vanished I have been trying to find you, my brother, "Has the tempest which has been smashing our land swept you into a secret jail?" Since voices do not always make words, my brother I ask my conscience about your disappearance Have you heard it from the groan of mother earth whose breaths are accompanied by tears?

My brother, rain and fireflies have sent me distress signals about your fate But don't betray truth even under coercion Please say something even though it is not intelligible We will hear it amid the fall of young leaves around our houses which are made of uprooted trees

Be sure, my brother in awaiting the end of your struggle you are near God Almighty We're indeed in grief and confusion as some people try to seek justice in the courthouse Do they hear voices from the mysterious graves? They have to answer the ringing question: What is the price of independence compared to the lives of innocent citizens?

By AA Manggeng Putra

Translated by TIS

Freedom *)

Freedom is the doors and windows which are wide open for the sun, moon, air and birds to come in

Freedom is flowing water, well liked poems and farmers who harvest their crops

Freedom is thousands of handshakes without fear and hypocrisy

Freedom is the restless ocean, burning fire and babies who cry at midnight

Freedom is the unrestrained condition in which we have the right to choose and speak

By Wiratmadinata

Translated by TIS

*) These poems were recited at a poetry reading evening in Aceh last month