Beyond the AI Code

Beyond the AI Code

A Poem by Leni Marlina

We walk in an era bathed in light,
Where machines weave lifeless numbers,
Yet the heart, the soul, remain untouched,
By cold codes, devoid of feeling.

Pramoedya inscribed his stories,
"Writing is resistance against silence," he said.
Not merely words flowing on paper,
But the human soul speaking in every letter.

Can AI, Artificial Inteligence, understand the sting of longing?
Or the bittersweet taste of chances lost?
Only humans can weave wounds into tales,
That touch the deepest corners of the soul.

In the classroom, a teacher speaks not just words,
But ignites flames in empty hearts,
Guiding with love, not just knowledge,
Bringing meaning to each fragile step.

AI may provide answers, lifeless and plain,
But cannot embrace a wounded soul,
For education is more than mere knowledge---
It is life itself, and we are its beating heart.

In leadership, empathy is the lantern,
No algorithm can ever replace it.
Like Chairil Anwar's wish to live a thousand years,
It sparks courage, kindles fire in every heart.

AI can compute, it can predict,
But it cannot stir with a smile,
Nor lead with gentle grace,
Or calm a soul when storms arise.

So let machines tend to the soulless tasks,
To things that need no love or feeling,
While we---artists, creators, teachers, and true leaders---
Will continue carving this world with love and meaning.

For with every step we tread,
There burns a fire that cannot dim,
Beyond the limits of code and technology,
There is love, there is conscience, there is the essence of humanity.

Padang, West Sumatra, 2024

---

This poem was originally written in Indonesian languange. With heartfelt dedication, the poem was edited, translated and published in 2024. The original Indonesian title is
*Di Balik Kode AI* https://www.kompasiana.com/lenimarlina_fbsunppadang6936/66fff8c1c925c4593e034d33/di-balik-kode-ai?utm_sourceThank =Whatsapp&utm_medium=Refferal&utm_campaign=Sharing_Mobile

Since 2006, Leni Marlina has served as a lecturer at the Faculty of Language and Arts at Universitas Negeri Padang. The author is also the founder and head of several literary and educational communities, including the World Children's Literature Community (WCLC), POETRY-PEN International Community, and the Indonesian Poetry Reading and Writing Community (PPIPM: Pondok Puisi Inspirasi Masyarakat).

In addition, the author established and leads two English language courses: ECSC (English Children's Literature Smart Course) and MEC (Marvelous English Course), as well as a digital-based social community, Starcom Indonesia (Starmoonsun Eduprenuer Community Indonesia). As an active member of the Indonesian Writers Association SATU PENA West Sumatra, the author also engages in international collaborations, including the Victoria Writers Association in Australia and the ACC International Writers Community in Hong Kong.