My neighbour next door

My neighbour next door

my neighbour next door
can make very good flutes from bamboo
and can play many tunes

 my neighbour next door
often borrows the guitar
to sing with his children
 
one of his ears is ruined
struck with a rifle butt
 
my neighbour next door
lives as if behind fortress walls
always watching
checking for danger
 
my neighbour next door
was terrorised before

 
Kalangan-solo, November 1991

        (Translation of Tetangga Sebelahku)

Source:
Asia Pacific Solidarity Network (APSN)
Url: http://www.asia-pacific-solidarity.net/southeastasia/indonesia/publications/prdbook/wijipoem.htm