Don’t forget, my love

don’t forget, my love
when the moon is full
and we are taking a stroll
those people sleeping outside, in front of the house
and on the edge of the drainage canal,
are our neighbours, my love

don’t forget, my love
when it’s five o’clock in the morning,
the throngs of female workers
with bleary eyes
who walk alongside you
are your friends, my love

don’t forget, my love
to whomever should ask who your in-law is
to answer: a pedicab driver
for he is your father, my love

don’t forget, my love
to whomever should ask
to tell them your name
and do not be ashamed
for that is your name, my love

(Translation of Jangan Lupa Kekasihku)

English Translations from Bahasa Indonesia by
Richard Curtis

Source:
Menagerie 5: Violence Towards Women, 2003
Lontar Foundation
Url: https://openlibrary.org/books/OL25442228M/Menagerie_5