Paradise
by Chairil Anwar
Like mother, like grandmother,
Yes, like even seven generations back —
I too long to go to Paradise
Where Masjumi1 and Mohammadyah2 tell us
flow rivers of milk,
And a thousand thousand houris.
Yes, like even seven generations back —
I too long to go to Paradise
Where Masjumi1 and Mohammadyah2 tell us
flow rivers of milk,
And a thousand thousand houris.
But a voice within me, mocking, says:
Can you dry away the wetness of the seas?
Can you escape the temptations of the ports?
And who dare swear that there’s in truth
A houri with a voice as deep as Nina’s,
With the sparkle of Jati’s eyes?
Can you dry away the wetness of the seas?
Can you escape the temptations of the ports?
And who dare swear that there’s in truth
A houri with a voice as deep as Nina’s,
With the sparkle of Jati’s eyes?
Translated by Ahmed All and Idham