The Surge

The Surge
(Inspired by a painting by Anna Keiko in Hongkong)

By:
Ramli Djafar / Xie Zhongli

Indonesian-English Translator: Leni Marlina


As far as the eye can wander,  
All is beyond beauty,  
Vast and immeasurable,  
Drawing forth endless awe and wonder.


The azure sky  
Melds with the open,w boundless sea,  
The ocean rests still,  
No waves stirring,  
Smooth as a flawless mirror.


The sun casts its golden rays,  
A warm orange glow spreads across the blue heavens,  
A reflection so enchanting, it captivates the soul.


The soft splash of waves upon the shore,  
Breaking against the rugged rocks,  
Shatters the silence of the twilight hour,  
The thunderous crash of waves upon the beach  
Ignites the world into a glorious surge.


This surge is the very heartbeat of life,  
Sweeping away all solitude,  
Stirring every hidden feeling,  
Merging with the vast rhythm of the endless ocean,  
Weaving together the harmonies of life---  
The adventurers,  
The wanderers without a trace,  
Hearts alive with joy, spirits dancing in bliss.


Are we too, among them?


Life must be lived with a surge of passion,  
Yet,  
The flame of spirit must never falter,  w
Not even for a moment.


*Padang, September 10th, 2024*

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*The writer and the translator are the active members of writers association Satu Pena, West Sumatra, Indonesia; the active members of Hongkong ACC International Writers Comunity.

*The original Indonesian title of the poem by Ramli Djafar: "Gelora".