Green grass

green grass
grows again
even though you cut us down
again and again
even though you burn us up
again and again

green grass
grows again
a hundred times you mow us down
you torch us with the fire of riots
green grass
grows again

my hope
conquers
my fears
that you breed
with your speeches
and your rifles

I see green grass
everywhere
oh in vain
the powers that be put up
boards to block
green grass
keeps growing


(Translation of Rumput Ilalang)
Translated by Eliza Vitri Handayani
Source:
DOI 10.1177/0306422017730970