The Ballad of the Bullet

The Ballad of the Bullet

where is the muzzle of that gun?

I’d like to explode and at the same time turn into a bullet
seek your forehead, aim towards your death
see Your soul take flight
and I will chase it with my own soul
so I will know where Your house is
I am ready to kill myself
Certainly, after knowing where You live

but the bullet that is looking for Your forehead
only met Your eyes which cast a magic spell
abracadabra
return to your true form!
and it is true, no one will
carry
the weapon
for me
what more
target the forehead
this beautiful dream
this beautiful dream
why is it eternal?

(Translation of Balada Peluru)

English Translations from Bahasa Indonesia by
Eden LAYDA
Asian Center
University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City

Source:

ASIAN STUDIES
Journal of Critical Perspectives on Asia
Volume 49, Number 2, 2013 50th Anniversary Issue
Url: http://asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ-49-2-2013/ASJ%20Vol%2049%20No%202%20-%202013%20FINAL%2015.pdf