When Nature Cries
(original tittle Ketika Alam Menangis)
I have spoken out
when they harm the hills
and wound the trees
Where I learn to write poetry
But they say I must learn to face reality
– This is the age of industry
We cannot avoid deforestation
We need more houses for the growing population
May be they are right
but it breaks my heart
as they sit to calculate their profit
the wind is jumping on the roof
Water attacking villages and coasts
It’s my people who suffer the most
Let the poor cling to lifeboats
or drift with the mud and tide
we need stylish houses
For the country’s images and pride
Let the earth be sad and desperate
The country does not need romantic poets.
ZURINAH HASSAN
Malaysia National Laureate.
Published in OTHER WORDS
