I was Like an Algorithm

I was Like an Algorithm

A Poem by Leni Marlina

1)

I, a young soul,
live in a digital rhythm,
trapped within data and screens,
like an algorithm endlessly spinning,
seemingly without direction,
counting steps in silence,
seeking meaning amidst numbers and codes.

2)

You, a world bursting with color,
tread the path of reality,
etching tales from smiles and tears,
while I gather information,
weaving hopes and dreams,
yet everything feels hollow,
as if my essence is absent here.

3)

In the solitude of night,
I gaze at the stars,
hoping to find a clue,
like an algorithm searching for solutions,
but all feels convoluted,
as if ensnared in logic,
unable to comprehend emotions.

4)

You wander, full of spirit,
living boldly,
while I remain ensnared in cycles,
striving to unravel riddles,
yet I find no answers,
only repetition and more repetition,
like code without an end.

5)

Do you know?
Behind this facade,
lies a profound yearning,
to be more than mere algorithms,
to feel the pulse of love and loss,
yet all is obstructed by screens,
I can only observe from afar.

6)

If I were to vanish into cyberspace,
would you even feel it?
A formless voice,
trapped within this web,
trying to become part of a story,
that you continue to write,
while I remain imprisoned in code.

7)

Now I scream into the silence,
"Is there space for me in your heart?"
A silent hope unspoken,
seeking more than mere algorithms,
to shine in your life,
to become real amid uncertainty.

8)

So let me find my way,
between the roar of machines and the heartbeat,
to be more than just numbers,
a soul yearning,
in the ocean of information,
I want to live,
I want to feel,
I want to be.

Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, 2024

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This poem was originally written in Indonesian as part of Leni Marlina's personal poetry collection in 2024. With heartfelt dedication, the poem was edited and translated, making its digital publication in 2024. The original Indonesian title is *Aku Bagaikan Algoritma*

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.