Friday, November 30, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
MASK
Masks
Masks
Masks
We
talk with the President, wearing masks
We
talk with the Commander in Chief, wearing a
mask
We
talk with the village head, wearing
masks
We
say “good morning’ in class, wearing
masks
We
even talk with our own shadows, wearing
masks
So
when shall we take off the masks?
We
telephone kings wearing masks
We write letters to the regent, wearing
masks
We seek approval from our future in-laws, wearing
masks
We attack other states wearing
masks
So when shall we throw away
masks?
We shake hands wearing
masks
We take leave wearing
masks
And we say good evening wearing
masks
We even fall in love wearing
masks
So when shall we burn
masks?
It’s only when we go to the mosque that we don’t
wear masks
Only in church that we don’t wear
masks
Only at the temple, that we don’t wear
masks
Only when we go to the synagogue that we don’t wear
masks
It’s only when we go to the orphanage that we can
wear masks
Because God and orphans do not have
masks
by Anton
Alimin ( I wrote this poem as soon as I got back to my room at The` Hyatt in Bandung from 'The Orphanage Bayi Sehat').
Translated by Simon
Williams
TOPENG
Topeng
Topeng
Topeng
KIta bicara dengan presiden pakai
topeng
Kita bicara dengan panglima pakai
topeng
Kita bicara dengan lurah pakai
topeng
Kita bilang ‘Selamat pagi’ di kelas pakai
topeng
Kita bicara dengan bayang-bayang sendiripun pakai
topeng
Kapan ya kita copot tampa
topeng?
Kita tilpon raja pakai
topeng
Kita menulis surat ke bupati pakai
topeng
Kita melamar ke calon mertua pakai
topeng
Kita menyerbu negara lain pakai
topeng
Kapan ya kita buang
topeng?
Kita jabatan tangan pakai
topeng
Kita pamitan pakai
topeng
Kita bilang selamat malampun pakai
topeng
Kita bercintapun pakai
topeng
Kapan ya kita bakar
topeng?
Hanya ke mesjid kita gak pakai
topeng
Hanya ke gereja kita gak pakai
topeng
Hanya ke kuil kita gak pakai
topeng
Hanya ke sinagog kita gak pakai
topeng
Hanya ke rumah yatim piatu kita bisa pakai topeng
Karena Tuhan dan anak-anak yatim piatu gak ada
topeng!
Friday, November 2, 2012
I went to Bandung to improve my Bahasa
Indonesian and I was luckily enough to visit the Panti Ashuan Bayi Sehat. As I
entered the 3 story building I was warmly welcomed by Pak Y? who excitedly told
me to go ahead and freely walk around the establishment. At first I was a
little nervous as it was very quiet however I was then greeted by 2 young boys
with the biggest smiles I have ever seen. As I walked around I was very
surprised to see how tidy and clean the establishment was. The Panti Ashuan
Bayi Sehat is split into 3 levels, 1st floor for boys, 2nd
floor for girls and top floor for babies.
My friend and I spent time with the staff
as we were setting up for our activities. We found them very friendly,
professional and caring, especially the head caretaker Ibu ?
who had a great sense of humor and a big heart. During this time I was able to
meet many children and the loud laughter and smiles on their faces was
rewarding as well as overwhelming. We
spent the whole time, playing games, coloring books and talking to the children
off all ages.
I was able to sneak away for a moment to
visit the babies on the top floor. This was heart breaking as there were many
babies there no older than 3 month old. Even though I was upset I was
overwhelmed with joy as I could see the big smiles on the babies faces as well
as how professional and caring the staff were.
The Panti Ashuan Bayi Sehat oozed love from
both the staff and the children and I could really feel the presence of God
throughout the whole establishment. The Panti Ashuan Bayi Sehat is a beautiful
orphanage and I encourage all Australians to visit the children there.
Courtney Patterson
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