3 Amir Hamzah Translations

By | 1 October 2020
Standing in Stillness

I stand in the stillness of twilight.
A gliding seagull skims the foam
While mangroves bow loose-dangling crowns
Over jellyfish bellying up with the tide.

The wind, returning, scoops the earth,
Raises golden spray as it buffets the bay,
Runs up to the lonely mountain peak
Then swings through the top of the forest.

A rainbow rising from its wave-dipped end
Unfurls a glowing banner.
A pensive hawk, on folded wing,
Seems dazzled by its polychrome procession.

Here, ’mid these pictures of perfection,
My heart sinks into melancholy longing—
Longing to feel an inner peace
And, in my life, the zest of unwavering purpose.


Berdiri Aku

Berdiri aku di senja senyap
Camar melayang menepis buih
Melayah bakau mengurai puncak
Berjulang datang ubur terkembang.

Angin pulang menyeduk bumi
Menepuk teluk mengempas emas
Lari ke gunung memuncak sunyi
Berayun-alun di atas alas.

Benang raja mencelup ujung
Naik marak mengerak corak
Elang leka sayap tergulung
Dimabuk warna berarak-arak.

Dalam rupa maha sempurna
Rindu-sendu mengharu kalbu
Ingin datang merasa sentosa
Mencecap hidup bertentu tuju.

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