Between Heartbeats and Prayers

Between Heartbeats and Prayers

A Poem by Leni Marlina

In this hush-filled room, my dear friend,
You rest as a leaf gently falls,
Carried by winds no eye can see,
While machines hum their rhythmic song,
Like endless clocks, turning silently.

These pale walls keep quiet vigil,
Guarding tales of battles long fought,
Rows of medicines, soldiers in wait,
Ready to charge the invisible foe,
Yet I know, it's not their strength you seek.

There's power far greater than medicine's grasp,
Our prayers soar as whispers on the breeze,
Slipping through cold panes of glass,
Bringing hope in every sigh,
Calling softly to the Healer's ear.

Each breath you take is a prayer we weave,
Threads of hope through your weary veins,
Flowing like rivers clear and bright,
Washing away all fear and doubt,
Gently touching your restless soul.

The nurses' steps in quiet halls,
Like the murmur of winds that cradle dreams,
Each touch is a hidden balm,
Like soft winds swaying tender leaves,
Stirring life in your fading flame.

And we, your friends, do more than wait,
We pray, we yearn,
Like parched earth longs for rain,
Craving the coolness of life's return,
So you may rise in strength once more.

You are not just a name on a list,
You are a spark, veiled for a time,
Soon, the winds will chase the clouds away,
Unveiling your light in full bloom again,
To paint the world with your fearless heart.

Nothing lingers forever,
Even this pain is but a fleeting guest,
Soon, it will bow and fade,
And you will walk again,
Stronger, bolder,
Ready to embrace the days yet to come.

We are here, my friend,
Wrapped in prayer and endless hope,
That when your eyes greet the morning sun,
Every scar will turn to distant memory,
And your smile will once more light our hearts.

Padang, West Sumatra,  Indonesia, 2024

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This poem was originally written in Indonesian languange as a personal poetry collection by Leni Marlina in 2019. It was edited, translated, and published for the first time on digital media in 2024. 

Its Indonesian original title  is *Di Antara Detak dan Doa* available on: https://www.kompasiana.com/lenimarlina_fbsunppadang6936/66e6b9d1ed64152c05411bc2/di-antara-detak-dan-doa?utm_source=Whatsapp&utm_medium=Refferal&utm_campaign=Sharing_Mobile

The author is the active member of the Indonesian  writers association SATU PENA West Sumatra; the lecturer at FBS Universitas Negeri Padang;  the Founder and Head of the World Children's Literature Community (WCLC) and POETRY-PEN International Community; the member of Victorian Writers; and the member of Hongkong ACC International Writers Community.