The Divine Spark

The Divine Spark

When a fallen hero might speak he would say: “ I’m not a hero but just a human being as any other. It’s a God who drives, urges me to do a so impossible humanly feat. Were it for me, I don’t even want to, couldn’t even do, couldn’t even have the nerve, the courage to.

So also are the poets, painters, thinkers, composers, … It’s a God who enlightened them with the Divine Spark, otherwise they never could create such wonderful works or thoughts. And it certainly is not a privilege of God’s chosen, favored people only.”

December 1976

Might Hide A Devil Or An Angel

Might Hide A Devil Or An Angel

You’ll never see the Devil in his true appearance. He may be in the guise of a respected gentleman with a lot of tact, a regular churchgoer, has a good name and position in society. You hardly can refuse his persuasions or disagree with him. But if you have the nerve to disagree you might uncover him and see his true nature. Yes, he is civilized and he readily agrees with this.

And I thought of them who even might look like the Devil himself or a crone, a scarecrow, who seem stiff, cold, unwilling and disagreeing, but then some day, you might see an angel before you.

A (little) devil or a (little) angel might be hiding in everyone, also in my doggies, ha, ha, ha. I think.

So asserts si upik. Surely, the Devil, an Angel, God is created after her image.

December 1976

A Cricket's Philosophy 6

A Cricket’s Philosophy 6

A Cricket’s Chirping

A soft cricket’s chirping: “Avoid War instead of saving its victims.” wouldn’t ever be heard, wouldn’t ever be heeded. Suppose there was a stupid command by a president or statesman to preemptive war, it would be heard, obeyed and carried out.


A Cricket’s Comment On Wedding

Humans who are regarded as wiser have to remember their marriage with a copper, silver, golden wedding as Indonesians say. The birds celebrate their wedding every day without having to remember it.


A cricket’s Caution

At last he believes what his admirers say of him and the higher he thinks of himself will he fall the harder back to the earth.

Once A Year?

Once A Year?

What a pity. Would you observe to love, appreciate, be nice to, forgiving, honor, remember each other only once a year?

Look at our Mother day, Father day, Valentine day, Birthday, Heroes day, All Souls’ day, Pets day, International Peace day, New Year, Idul Fitri, Christmas, Easter, …

I can’t wait for these special days. I’d rather forget all these days and be good, kind, forgiving any day when I’d feel like it. So said she, si upik (call name of a young girl).

A Way To Analyze A Game Or Set

A Way To Analyze A Game Or Set

We can analyze a play, a game, a set in tennis or badminton, table tennis and volley ball in this manner:

Winner (W). is a shot or a block that wins, adding a point to the winner by Aces, Fakes, Smashes, Blocks, Drop shots or causing Forced Errors to the opponent.
Unforced Error (UE) is a shot which is (unnecessarily) squandered, wasted, unforced: Out, Wide, Long, Net, adding a point to the opponent.

> means, is greater than
<>: W + UE(A) of B then A is the winner of a game or set.
That is to say: if the total winners of A plus the unforced errors of B is greater than the total winners of B plus the unforced errors of A, then A is the winner of a game or set.

When W of A > W of B then A is the stronger player. That is to say If the total winners of A is greater than the total winners of B, than A is the stronger player.
But it does not necessarily mean that he is the winner of the game or set, for he might still be the loser if his UE (unforced errors, points he donates to his opponent) is so large that would make
W + UE(B) of A < W + UE(A) of B Although the total winners of A is greater than that of B he is the loser.

Just count and add up the winners and the unforced errors point by point and you’ll have the score sheet of a game or set in this manner in serving order, for instance badminton:

Serving
Order A B Score
1. A : W - : 1 - 0
2. A :UE - :1 - 1
3. B : - W :1 - 2
4. B :W - :2 - 2
5. A :- UE :3 - 2
6. A : - UE :4 - 2
etc.

In the 6th serving order A has accumulated 2 W and was donated 2 UE of B so he scored 4.
B has accumulated 1 W and was donated 1 UE of A, so he scored 2. The score of A against B is 4 – 2. Etc.

On The IQ-Test

On The IQ-Test

What, glorify, measure Man on mere intelligence?
Mere knowledge?
Mere courage?
Mere loyalty?
Mere strength?
Mere wealth?
Mere success?
Mere appearance, good looks?
Mere talent for art, creativity?
Mere …

That is an insult, humiliating human dignity, for Man is so vast, limitless and cannot be limited or narrowed down to our standards, to what we think he is.

September 1986

2020, Some Twenty Years From Now

2020, Some Twenty Years From Now

Willingly, gladly am I to travel the road that must be trodden by all living beings. Just in 2015 many of us would have passed away, those who are now young, strong and active will be old, but I still have a lot to know, to see, to hear to express my thoughts, my feelings, ... To tell about this age and send my greetings to people far-off in the future.

What about internet? My grand-grand children perhaps aren’t going to school, college, university anymore, or to their office as they could do it by internet, while my grand-grand child now isn’t yet born. What a lot could be saved on time, transport, books, paper, teachers, lessen traffic jams, air-, noise-pollution and more. They could perhaps communicate in any language via a standard language similar to changing money to any foreign currency via the dollar.

What about the progress of medical science in fighting cancer or AIDS? What other kind of deseases haunts mankind. Would it be better to give birth by Cecar operation and determine the date of birth and gender instead of a natural birth or by giving birth to a baby as small as a thump or in a lab.

I also want to know the progress in Volley Ball and Basket Ball that are monopolized by very tall players. Will there be a classified system according to stature to ensure the chances, opportunities for relatively short players? I wish I could see the World Cup, the Olympic Games, World Boxing, Tennis in 2100 and a lot more.

Then what about the age of my grand- grand-, grand-, … children in the far future? How nice to be able to space-travel to other planets and meeting other planetarians. Yet, though impossible to turn back to the distant past or to the very distant future,- which according to Stephen Hawking is possible -, I still can visit these in my mind, even to the day the universe was born and doomsday when the world would collide or become cold and all life would be extinct as the sun would slowly be cooling down.

Now, this is the trouble, how to write the things that would cover so many books in a short reader’s letter?

Yet, why complain about a short, limited life? I’m not only grateful for the joys, happiness, but also for the adversities, failures, misfortunes, suffering, disappointments. “What’s happiness, joy if there weren’t sorrow, sadness”, said a Chinese philosopher in olden times.

I’m grateful for having to say farewell.

As life must come to an end, life becomes so dear, so near, so warm, so precious as precious and dear as the close of a beautiful song, or a wonderful story. It’s a tear, the pearl of gratefulness. And I imagined eternal life, eternal happiness, I don’t wish it. Would you?

From Jayakarta, January 14, 1998

Life Aboard Trains

Life Aboard Trains

After spending the weekend in Bojong Gede. I usually take the train back to Jakarta. Trains offer interesting glimpses of the life and struggles of common people, and even though they are usually crowded, the people who can only afford their cheaper fares generally enjoy them.

After elbowing one’s way to the door, a gust of hot air greets the traveler, but no one thinks of complaining. The passengers seem to accept the conditions, even when they have to stand for the entire trip. They are patient, for though the train makes frequent stops, often slowing to a snail’s pace, no one grumbles, not the vendors transporting merchandise to the city or the women who have to travel alone. The students too, are adjusted to the circumstances of the train: they do not turn away in disgust from the lower-class vendors. And though the coach floor is muddy on a rainy day, they do not hesitate to step into the coach.

I enjoy watching the small children who travel with their mothers. On steamy days they crave a cool drink, but know their mothers cannot afford to buy one. It seems that merely the feel of the cold bottle is enough to produce a smile.

Once I saw a woman carrying a child smile when someone offered her a seat. Passengers are at times entertained by a blind musician whose songs are accompanied by a “kecapi” (kind of zither) a traditional instrument. Such scenes remind me of Oshin, the main character in a Japanese serial, who always feels a sense of gratitude towards life despite the problems she encounters every day, the people on the train seem grateful for small services and pleasures.

It would not occur to them, for example, to demand that the empty coaches of another train be joined to theirs. Nor would they consider protesting if several cars of their already jammed train were uncoupled and joined to another.

Instead of grumbling, they are creative in making space – for example, by moving to the coach’s roof. They always seem to find a way to solve problems under pressing conditions. And they always seem to find the courage.

From Bisnis Indonesia, The Jakarta Post, February 25, 1993

The Battle Of Rudy And Gunalan

The Battle Of Rudy And Gunalan

There was a night of anxiety for Rudy’s family.
There was also a night of anxiety for Gunalan’s family.
There was a loving father’s, mother’s prayer for Rudy.
There also was a loving father’s, mother’s prayer for Gunalan.
There were our people awaiting Rudy.
There also were their people awaiting Gunalan.
There were frightful, dreadful almost killing moments for Rudy.
There were also frightful, dreadful almost killing moments for Gunalan.
There was a tear falling down for Rudy.
There was also a tear falling down for Gunalan.
So, hail to Rudy.
But also, hail to Gunalan.

For triumphant or defeated never lessens the heroic quality of a hero.

After the fiery battle, Gunalan in an interview said: ”I thought that I had the chance after winning the fist set with 15 – 8 and leading in the second with 7 – 1. But Hartono was as cool as ever. Before the match I said in fun, ‘Don’t you ever scare an old man’. I almost did the opposite. Yet, I am also very happy. I came to him and he said in the bahasa: ‘I’m just lucky’. Well don’t be mistaken about Rudy Hartono. He really is a champion. May he have an 8th time victory in All England in succession next year.” From Medeka.

Both knights saw, recognized their opponent’s magnificence, splendor as revealed in the fight and were amazed.

March 1974

Rudy Is Rudy

Rudy is Rudy

Rudy is not any the less than Rudy,
Although defeated and blamed;
Rudy is not greater than Rudy,
Though world champion and praised.
Don’t you be downhearted, Rudy.

From Kompas, June 19, 1973

Note,
Rudy Hartono was the only one of the Thomas Cup Team who was defeated by Svend Pri.

Exploitation Of Man By Man?

Exploitation Of Man By Man?

What’s the difference between a becak (Pedi cab) driver and an jet aircraft pilot? They are just the same. They carry passengers. No matter how low the becak driver’s profession is, he remains a human being. He is not an animal which can be treated arbitrarily.

He is an entrepreneur and employs himself. He does not work for somebody else. He feels free to work, he is proud of his vehicle and his profession. His is an honorable profession and a respectable job for the matter.

Exploitation de l’homme par l’homme? He doesn’t feel himself exploited by his fellow human beings. What this French saying (exploitation of man by man) indicates is, making man work without proper payment or paying workers an amount below the minimum wage for survival. This is inhumane. This is not so with the becak profession.

Thailand’s crown princess Sirindhorn pedaled a becak when she was visiting Indonesia October 1984

From Pos Kota, The Jakarta Post, February 15, 1990

B u t ,

Government officials say the profession of the Pedi cab driver is inhumane as the job they perform is regarded as exploiting men. “Memperkuda”, they say, that’s treating him as a horse.

If that concept is to hold, then quite a number of other professions will also fall into the same category including that of house servant. And what about other professions such as the designer or the director of a company? Are their capabilities not being exploited for the benefit of other people?

I don’t see any point in the idea if each of us is expected to provide all the services one need all by ourselves, which means that we have to be our own cook, driver, pilot, teacher or salesman at the same time.

And taken from this point of view, the profession of Pedi cab driver, like other professions is just a means of extending services to fellow citizens, instead of exploitation or having others work for us as a horse.

The Exploitation of Service from Jayakarta, the Jakarta Post, March 13, 1990

Opa Johan's E Mail To His Grandchildren 2

There’re three men standing in line one behind the other, A in front, B in the middle and C behind. They know that there are three white and two black hats. Each one is wearing one of these hats, but no one knows or can see his own hat.
C can see B and A wearing their hats.
B can only see A’s hat as he can’t see behind him.
A can’t see what C and B are wearing as he can’t see behind him either.
No one knows the colors of the two remaining hats that’s left.

When first C was asked what color his hat was, he answered “I don’t know.”
Then B was asked. He also said “I don’t know.”
Yet when A was asked afterwards, who couldn’t see any hat at all, he said, “I know the color of my hat.” How could he know it? Could you reveal this?

Opa Johan's E Mail To His Grandchildren 1

Opa Johan’s E Mail To His Grandchildren 1

Suppose your “prince” became poor, would you love him less? What if he loses his handsome face, an arm because of an accident or in a fire or war? Would you love him more when he became an author and got the Nobel Prize or even became a president? Savitri, (the heroin in the Mahabharata story ) still chooses to marry her “prince”, despite knowing that he was ordained by the Gods to just one more year to live. Was she foolish? What would you do?

Cancelled To Becoming Rich

Cancelled to Becoming Rich

“Dad, have you got “Dibawah Bendera Revolusi” (Writings, speeches of the late President Soekarno)?” so Boy asked. It was advertised and priced US $ 4.000.- in the internet for both books. I can place it in the internet.”

“Well do it.” said Opa Johan. “ How nice it would be if it could be sold that much. Calculated at a rate of Rp. 13.000.- a dollar, we would have Rp. 52.million. We suddenly would become rich.” He said to his wife.

“Four hundred dollars for Boy’s efforts, two hundred for An and two hundred for you to repay my moral debt. Ha, ha, ha”. teasing his wife.

“Then have the remaining on deposit with an interest rate of 48% a month. Every month we would earn about Rp. 1,4 million after tax without doing anything. Then send a draft of Rp. 600 thousand to aunt Nora who’s now 80 years living in Palembang. And if necessary, we could provide the woman vagrant with a sum to start a little business. Wow, a common government official doesn’t even get a salary of Rp. 1,4 million. Moreover as I think of those who are fired because of mass unemployment.”

“What, if the books invite a robber in disguise of a buyer as though eager to buy the books?” his daughter in-law warned

After a week, Boy said: “It’s just that the books are supposed to be worth such a lot, so many adds are in the papers (for weeks), in fact there’s no one who would buy them.”

“So, I’m cancelled to becoming rich.,” said Opa Johan to his wife.
It doesn’t matter though, as we don’t become poorer.” His wife comforted.

“Except to becoming richer in grey hair and an increase in years. Ha, ha, ha.”

I then remembered the Dutch saying: ”Zich blij maken met een dode mus.” Don’t gladden yourself with something, hopes which turns out just to be a dead sparrow, an empty dream.

From Bisnis Indonesia, August 21, 1998

Liz

Liz

Suppose she would succeed to win the Nobel Prize as Neher/Sakmann or an Oscar as Jessica Tandy on her 80th year or a world ranking of number one in tennis or even got the pride, happiness of Sir Edmund Hillary, when he subdued Mount Everest; perhaps she would consider these events as trivial compared to winning a young husband for the 8th time (!). That was what she probably most wished for and made her so very happy.

As in a fairy tale, her dream became true October 6, 1991 in the Michael Jackson ranch, Neverland, Los Olivos, California, where her marriage took place. So it was reported.

Certainly, an incredible feat to be proud of, how to keep herself young, captivating, fascinating and beautiful though at an age of over half a century and still be able to subdue, conquer, win a young husband instead of Mount Everest.

Liz, you’re “never too old to be young”.

From Media Indonesia, October 16, 1991

Musing On "Bacaan Waktu Santai"

Musing On "Bacaan Waktu Santai"

We regret that your book couldn’t be published. There are too many writings similar to yours” said the publisher perhaps meant to console, to comfort. Certainly, there’s no man who wouldn’t feel disappointed, discouraged or then he must be a God or a super being.

“Don’t you lose heart” says a song. So I comfort myself. Every time you’re rejected, you’re going towards the better. You are better informed. Your book design will improve. It will have a jacket and illustrated and besides, you will know, how to protect your book with a copy right. So I started to reassure, console myself.

“Bacaan Waktu Santai” or Leisurely Reading still hasn’t broken the record of Chicken Soup For The Soul which is 33 times rejected by publishers. Yet, this book became one of the most read books in the world. Why be downhearted?

I then remembered Pak Arif saying:”Thousand failures I willingly endure.” You will be hardened against blows, then there’re other ways to publish your book. Do you fear to fail, to be disappointed, being hurt, just sit down, don’t publish? So I said to myself.

To give monopoly to a publisher and sell my copy right? Certainly not. As he could restrict or stop it’s publication. I’m happy even without any money remunerations if that could make readers enjoy it, when that could make me share my inner feelings and thoughts with others, even it be only one. Didn’t you say so before? Too bad, when someone just makes a copy of a piece he likes, he could be sued to pay a penalty as is often written in the opening pages of a book. I heartily would permit even a publisher to have them copied provided it were not for business purposes. Every writer would be happy when readers enjoy his writings as is a cook who is happy when people enjoyed his cooking.

Being rejected wouldn’t make the writing less or worse. And what is the advantage, pride when your book was published backed up by well known names, a hired reviewer or you implore, entreat the publisher as though your book is of no worth. Isn’t it this that one should be ashamed of? It wouldn’t make your writing the better. You certainly are successful, though rejected by publishers. Aren’t your writings your most invaluable riches? At least you wrote it for yourself. You didn’t yield to people’s, publisher’s tastes, standards, did you?

“The rejections by publishers is turning into engaging thoughts.” said si Upik. Sure I inwardly said. Out of pain and suffering, new, fresh flowers are blooming, so I hummed Not as paintings, my writings are always with me. It’s sad when a painter has to part from his works he so loves and never sees it again after having it sold.

Moreover, you could always publish it yourself. What’s wrong with that, what would you lose, be ashamed of? So I assured myself and there’s no wound left, I didn’t remember, feel, I forgot, where the sore place was.

From Media Indonesia, December 16, 1999


Note

Now have I published it in the internet. It certainly is not as could be done by a publisher with the support of professional editors, printers, correctors, illustrators, distributors, as I must do this all myself as a layman.

Yet, works remain the same, published or unpublished, praised or blamed. Valuations fall and rise. So I comfort myself

November 2007

The Little Bear-cubs

The Little Bear-cubs

I saw some little bear-cubs in a cage that were trying to climb and bit the bars to get free on TV, as though I saw innocent little kids, nervous, helpless in a cage. They were to be sent to Hong Kong, sold, to be sacrificed, perhaps to take their liver or heart for the health of someone or as a cure for a certain decease.

And it was as if they silently cried and I seemed to hear: ‘What wrong have we done? Save, free us. While what we most desire, cherish, our life, our freedom, that exactly is what you take from us for your health, your life. We’re so helpless and without Animal Rights. What if you were fated to be born bears instead and we man?’

A sorry fate awaits an animal if people knew its beneficial, profitable values, isn’t it? The rhinoceros was hunted for its horn and the elephant for its ivory.
That’s what Si Upik related to me.

From Jayakarta, October 27, 1994

My Visitor

My Visitor

There were no beautiful views of mountains, landscapes, lakes or rivers. Yet, on that very spot where I was seated, there was a wonderful wood before me with very strange beautiful ferns, bushes and trees, so fresh and green. with inhabitants and creatures. I was in a charming rustic village. I saw, met the lovely village maiden in pink, so tiny, so pure, so tender, so lovely, so modest, others are in white or blue. I opened my parcel and spread it out on the ground. What a joy to see this wonder, this village while enjoying my picnic. Then came a dark, joyful, daring big fellow, sniffed the air. Welcome to this feast I said. Seeing a very rich feast before him, he tasted, climbed up, inspected the dishes and exited and joyously carried he a heavy, big lump of food without asking for permission, stumbling back into the woods, without saying goodbye and thank you, excited, so happy to share this welcome prize with his brothers and sisters. Thank you Mr. Ant to visit me and for sharing my food with you.

How grateful and happy I was for having seen, visited this charming world on a little plot of earth before my feet, my eyes. Just weeds, says someone.

Harmony

Harmony

Harmony amidst different tones gives rise to something new and better, a melody;
Harmony among words, a sentence;
Harmony betwixt sentences, a thought, feeling, a story;
Harmony between a melody and a thought, a song.

Starting with harmony within ourselves, then to harmony within our family, then to harmony with our friends, relations, to harmony with the people, with Nature and the Creator.

Amidst conflicting, contradicting, bumping, clashing elements to one another, harmony gives birth to something new of higher quality.

May 1988

A Dear-Mother's Invention

A Dear-Mother’s Invention

“Well, let’s play the three fingers guessing game.” (the thump, forefinger and little finger) said mother to her little girl. “When you lose, you must pay me with a kiss. When I lose, I will kiss you as a penalty.” Oh, how sweet it is playing such a simple game in such a manner.”

“If I’d known it before, I would have played it in a somewhat similar way with my Valentine at that time. Ha, ha, ha.” said Opa Johan.

Classified Volley Ball 2

A Thought On Progress

Progress (to me) is when every one, young and old, men and women, small and tall, recreational player, amateur and master, even invalids, are given the same rights, the same fair opportunities, possibilities to achieve their highest level of performance according to their own reasonable or natural level of playing Volley Ball.

We shouldn’t cultivate tall trees, bushes and flowers in the same place together, without providing space and light for the smaller plants, for they will have no chance to grow up well and may die.

The standard Volley Ball net height for men is 2,43 M, for women 2,24 M. Free for all, whether they are very short or very tall. So there’s no chance whatever for the short players to compete with the tall.

We can manage classes in a range of height from 1,45 –2,00 M in Volley Ball:

Men up to 170 Cm, net height 224 Cm; Women up to 160 Cm, net height 205 Cm
Men up to 175 Cm, net height 230 Cm; Women up to 165 Cm, net height 211 Cm
Men up to 180 Cm, net height 237 Cm; Women up to 170 Cm, net height 218 Cm
Men up to 185 Cm, net height 243 Cm; Women up to 175 Cm, net height 224 Cm
Men up to 190 Cm, net height 250 Cm: Women up to 180 Cm, net height 230 Cm
Men up to 195 Cm net height 256 Cm: Women up to 185 Cm, net height 237 Cm
Men up to 200 Cm,met height 263 Cm: Women up to 190 Cm, net height 243 Cm or free for all

Then make the rules flexible:
Lower net height by one or two classes for very young or old players or raise net height by one or two classes for national or professional players. Open the opportunity for the class of strong players of shorter stature to play against or “fight” players of a higher class with taller stature.

The classification, categorization according to age, to weight, for men and women has been established, for example age groups, in boxing,… I wish we could pride on Volley Ball as the number one sport that would realize the classification according to stature; that it is really providing for every one or nearly, almost every one the same fair share to playing Volley Ball. That it is not favoring just one class only (the class of those with the highest stature) as it is until today.

Note:
A person’s reach is about 130% of his length (height). Take 3 Cm as difficulty factor for men to overcome net height, for women minus 3 Cm and we can calculate the net height of each class or category that way.
Net height of the class of 170 Cm men will be 130% of 170 Cm plus 3 Cm and is about 224 Cm … etc.

Classified Volley Ball 1

Monopoly of the Tall

What kind of monopoly can have the small?
Outstanding dexterity? So have the tall.
Outstanding perseverance? So have the tall.
Ability to set up well, a high vertical jump,
Outstanding agility, speed, power, endurance,
Talent, intelligence …? So have the tall.
Those are no monopolies of the small.
But height, so needed in Volley Ball,

Will ever be the monopoly of the tall.

Old Portrait Of The Bus Driver

Old Portrait Of The Bus Driver

What a style, how manly, majestic he was seated on his throne. How polite his gesture of refusing new passengers along the roadside by courteously waving his hand and bowing his head.. There was a warm friendly almost a big family atmosphere in his over crowded bus, the soft music, the soft light, curtained windows, some humorous pictures, writings were pasted on the front window pane - e.g. Cinderella and Charles Bronson - How easy he held his driving wheel, lighting his cigarette, overtaking all other cars with his very big, long Mercedes bus with such ease and that with so many windings, slopes along a small road. He is indeed Sang Juara (the Champion) as is pasted on the writings.

What a way of saying farewell, goodbye to the passengers. He just said “hati-hati”, (be careful) and aided passengers who had some difficulty in climbing down his bus out of the high emergency exit door, as the entrance of his bus was stormed by new passengers.

And that was already 8 o’clock in the evening and he had been driving since morning and he should drive the same route again Jakarta – Sukabumi. About midnight will he arrive. Fortunately it is not so crowded as it is during the lebaran (Moslem feast day) season. That was about 40 years ago.

I think there are not many drivers who do bus-driving as profession with dignity and enjoy it.

Reader's Letters, People's Voices

Reader’s Letters, People’s Voices

Reader’s Letters are People’s Voices. As a fruit tree, the author offers the fruits of his pen free to anyone who likes them or as a bird who warbles for anyone who cares to listen.

Though not commercial, Reader’s Letters contribute to a news paper or magazine with thoughts and information. It’s not like an ad that must be paid, or like an article that would receive a honorarium, perhaps with a tacit agreement, for the author not to “sell” it to other publishers.

Posting a Reader’s Letter is like gambling in a lottery, since it isn’t certain that the editor would publish it. But you shouldn’t lose your wits. Instead of people not being warned, and thus mistaken, deceived, … because it wasn’t published, it would be wiser if you sent your letter to many other papers at the same time and not just one only. Suppose you have a nice suggestion, a fine thought or good news, it would be a pity if it comes to no good purpose. More over, it’s not just those who subscribe to the news paper who should be favored. Every one has a right to express his thoughts and everyone has the right to have access to information.

How engaging to write a Reader’s Letter. A lot could be learned. How to write or paint and color it with the right words. From the editor we improve our language and learn how to edit, which is something as delightful as arranging flowers or painting in words. Your letter that’s published, well edited is like a heavenly gift.

How nice, lucky you were if the editor illustrated it with a picture, more so if it is picked up, translated and published by another news paper, magazine in the English language and you were so lucky to find it or someone told you so.

And what’s so interesting in Reader’s Letters is that it’s live, bubbles, throbs with anger, grief, hopes, suffering, sorrow, gladness, gratefulness, humor, … of the people. A keen eye would find a “pearl” even in a hidden corner of the news paper.

Well, having written this Reader’s Letter, I’ve paid off my moral debt and can sleep soundly. Imagine the immense power of 190 million people’s thoughts, feelings, no book, whatsoever, could ever cover. Don’t suppress!

From Sinar Indonesia Baru, Medan, July 12, 1990

Note:
Wow, today, by internet, people and me aren’t limited to one news paper, magazine, one city, province only, but may reach, have access to the entire world, for free!

Old Portrait Of Tien

Old Portrait Of T i e n

Tien was a bit crazy, silly in the eyes of people. Just got Rp. 200.- (that was almost 50 years ago) as “Cinderella” for some days, of which Rp. 100.- was sacrificed to buy three apples and some oranges. Two apples and some oranges she gave wholeheartedly to her “colleagues”.

She had no one who cares for her except Mother Nature. She had no home but she always found a way to crawl somewhere in and had a lodging for the night.

She worked so hard that she sometimes nodded to the merriment of her co-housemaids. Every time she awoke with a start.

Yet, she had been a teacher before. But no one wanted her. The only one who wanted her, her “prince”, stole her money by borrowing and not return it.

Tien was as a weed, whom no one wanted. She’s “hell” a fury but also a blessing. She got poor, simple fare, but that cheap, worthless food was perhaps tastier and nutritious: The fish head, shrimps head, the chicken head and feet (ceker they say}, frogs spine, no coca cola’s, no white polished rice but brown rice. She slept on a bench without mattress and pillow, mosquito net, did rough, course work and without being pursued, these treatments had become a blessing in disguise.

She sleeps anywhere as sound as ever, has a keen appetite, is strong and healthy, has good teeth, though having no recourse to a dentist, forgets her worries almost immediately and harbors no hate, ill will. Those are her riches, her treasures.

Certainly, Mother Nature loves all her children. Every dark side has its sunny side.