075 Agnes Arswendo (1950)
01 From The Window 02 A Safe Journey My Child
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I witnessed from the window of the evening train
My child running through rice field and river
Walking atop the stalks of rice
In a long white dress and angel wings
The falling rain nor the thickened fog
Could keep my vision from piercing the glass
Could restrain her desire to dance
She didn’t turn in my direction
Yet I was sure
She was gay and cheerful
Playing in limitless space
I witnessed from the window of the evening train
My own complexion
From among the grasses, the river and stalks of rice
Dari Jendela Anakku by Agnes Arswendo
Translation by John M. Mc Glynn
A safe journey, my child, only now have I said it
After you’ve gone so far
After you’ve found a peaceful home
Thank you, God
You foster again the best of Your Children
I too am able
To give my child
As You once gave
For all of us
Your one and only son
A safe journey, my child
May that the longing you’ve left behind
Becomes the future means
For knowing each other again
Selamat Jalan Anakku by Agnes Arswendo
Translation by John M. Mc Glynn
[Soneta Nusantara] - [Nusantara Sonnets]