The Old Javanese King Has Passed Away
A Poem; In Memory of Suharto, the 2nd President of Indonesia
Once he was just a peasant boy
lived in a unpretentious life.
Once he was a soldier
joined the army for honor of the country.
Once he was a national hero
unhampered us all from imperialism.
Once he was a great leader
led his country against all odds.
Once he went too far
acted firm and harshly
enriched himself and his own family.
Once he abdicated
betrayed by his own confidants
deposed by his own people.
Once he was beaten by time
leaving the unfinished matters
taking along all secrets into his grave.
The old Javanese King has passed away
Please remember though for
once he was not only a King to Javanese,
he was the former President to all Indonesia people.
Once he was simply a human,
a husband, a father,
a grandfather and a great grandfather.
A loving person to his family
and to others who remember his legacy.
May the people forgive his mistakes
and think of all his great deeds.
May us all pray for his family
for their griefs we could not ever conceive.
May God rest his soul in peace.
January 28, 2008
Published by Harry Gunawan
A positive-minded person, stays and spends entire life mostly in Jakarta, capital city of Indonesia. Consider oneself as an (e)ntrepreneur and also an artist of life. View profile
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12 Comments
Post a CommentI like how you brought out both the good traits as well as the bad traits. Overall, you gave a fond tribute to the former leader of Indonesia.
This is a magnificent poem as well as a lesson in history as well. Excellent work as usual.
Wonderful and moving tribute, friend. GOOD JOB!!!!!
What an incredible tribute, Harry! Wonderful job!
A beautiful and touching tribute.
A befitting tribute to Suharto,who was a friend of our country and was respected by our leaders.He tried his best to build a stronger Indonesia.
May his soul rest in peace.
Sorry for your loss
Thank you for your all lovely comments, prayers and wishes. Suharto is not really a King, but he had Javanese noble bloodline from his father despite his father's status as a farmer. Suharto's had a great leadership manner but he tended to be aristocratic near the end of his 30 years in governing. Regardless all good and bad about him, I must admit that he was one of most influential person in Indonesia after the fist President Sukarno.
This is an amazing tribute...I pray that his soul rests in peace...nice work Harry!
A beautiful tribute !!!!