My Ambition... (Cita-Cita Saya...)

In reflection of my nostalgic childhood ambition to become a poet (sasterawan), I wish to share the very piece that inspired me then to have that dream. I would like to cling on to that dream and would perhaps one day attempt to revive whatever talents I may have in writing poetry.

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AKU

Kalau sampai waktuku
'Ku mau tak seorang kan merayu
Tidak juga kau

Tak perlu sedu sedan itu

Aku ini binatang jalang
Dari kumpulannya terbuang

Biar peluru menembus kulitku
Aku tetap meradang menerjang

Luka dan bisa kubawa berlari
Berlari
Hingga hilang pedih peri

Dan aku akan lebih tidak perduli
Aku mau hidup seribu tahun lagi

- Chairil Anwar, Maret 1943 -

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(English translation)

I

If my time should come
I’d like no one to entice me
Not even you

No need for those sobs and cries
I am but a wild animal
Cut from its kind
Though bullets should pierce my skin
I shall still strike and march forth

Wounds and poison shall I take aflee
Aflee
‘Til the pain and pang should disappear

And I should care even less
I want to live for another thousand years

- Chairil Anwar, March 1943 -