Sad Memories of a Cianjur Peasant
By Sobron Aidit
(I)
bright are the Cianjur skies, the fertile soil binds the peasant
sadri, an old peasant, owns a plot of land
his life is harmonious, peaceful, beautiful
blossoming like the seasons
the banana ripens, the oranges, the papayas
littering the branches, flagrant overripe
ask sadri when he will pick them and he replies
when my son comes home from the battle
ah, the sweet fragrance of the fruit moistens the tongue
the orchards flourish on the rich Periangan soil
beloved land, united, defying the splitters
full of beauty, fertility, but what of the heart ?
(II)
sadri waits with pounding heart
his eyes glued to the southern skies
the flames leap up high
a brutal for force is burning peace
lovely Periangan, burning, reddened by fire
the peasants trapped, scorched on their native earth
comrades, brothers, against this challenge the will is supreme
resistance, revenge in every heart
the crops, the oranges and the papayas
once overripe and weighing down the trees
lie destroyed, overrun by fire
and thousands of lives nipped in the bud.
Source: Contemporary Progressive Indonesian Poetry, 1962
Poem Analysis:
Sobron Aidit's poem Sad Memories of a Cianjur Peasant poignantly captures the duality of rural life in Cianjur, juxtaposing the beauty of the landscape and agricultural abundance with the harsh realities of conflict and loss. Through the character of Sadri, an old peasant, the poem explores themes of nostalgia, loss, resilience, and the impact of violence on the lives of ordinary people.
The Beauty of Rural Life
The poem opens with a vivid portrayal of Cianjur, characterized by its “bright skies” and “fertile soil.” This setting establishes an idyllic image of rural life, suggesting harmony and abundance. The mention of Sadri, an old peasant who owns a plot of land, introduces a personal connection to the land, emphasizing the deep-rooted relationship between the peasant and his environment. The opening lines create a sense of peace and beauty, highlighting the bountiful crops like bananas, oranges, and papayas that symbolize the richness of the land.
The metaphor of the fruits “littering the branches, flagrant overripe” conveys both the prosperity of the harvest and a sense of potential that remains unfulfilled. Sadri’s response to the question of when he will pick the fruit—“when my son comes home from the battle”— introduces an ominous undercurrent, contrasting the idyllic scene with the harsh reality of conflict. This statement foreshadows the disruption of peace that is about to unfold.
The Impact of Conflict
In the second section of the poem, the tone shifts dramatically as the reality of war and violence encroaches upon the peaceful existence of the peasants. Sadri’s “pounding heart” and eyes “glued to the southern skies” evoke a sense of anxiety and anticipation, capturing the emotional toll of waiting for a loved one to return from battle. The imagery of “flames leap up high” and “a brutal force burning peace” starkly contrasts the earlier tranquility, illustrating the destructive nature of war.
The phrase “lovely Periangan, burning, reddened by fire” serves as a poignant reminder of the loss and devastation inflicted upon the land. The juxtaposition of the previously flourishing orchards with the imagery of destruction—“the crops…lie destroyed, overrun by fire”— emphasizes the tragic transformation of a once-vibrant landscape into a site of violence and despair. This shift from abundance to destruction mirrors the loss experienced by Sadri and the community, highlighting the personal and collective trauma caused by conflict.
Resilience and Resistance
Despite the overwhelming sense of loss and despair, Aidit also infuses the poem with themes of resilience and resistance. The lines “comrades, brothers, against this challenge the will is supreme” evoke a spirit of solidarity among the peasants, suggesting that they are united in their struggle against oppression. This sense of camaraderie reinforces the idea that, even in the face of adversity, the collective will of the people can rise above the brutality of their circumstances.
The repeated references to the destruction of crops serve as a metaphor for the loss of potential and life itself. The phrase “thousands of lives nipped in the bud” poignantly conveys the idea that war not only destroys physical life but also the hopes and dreams of individuals and communities. Yet, the emphasis on “resistance, revenge in every heart” underscores the indomitable spirit of the people, suggesting that their will to fight back against oppression remains unbroken.
Imagery and Structure
Aidit’s use of vivid imagery throughout the poem enhances its emotional depth. The contrast between the beauty of the land and the devastation of war serves to heighten the impact of the poem. The imagery of fruits and crops symbolizes not only the physical sustenance provided by the land but also the emotional and cultural connections that bind the peasant to his home.
The poem is structured in two distinct parts: the first part paints a serene picture of rural life, while the second part plunges into the chaos of conflict. This division effectively captures the shift from peace to violence, mirroring Sadri’s emotional journey as he grapples with the impending loss of his son and the destruction of his homeland. The abrupt transition between the two sections highlights the fragility of peace and the profound impact of war on the lives of ordinary people.
A Reflection on Loss and Resilience
Sad Memories of a Cianjur Peasant by Sobron Aidit is a poignant exploration of the effects of war on rural life and the emotional toll it takes on individuals and communities. Through the character of Sadri, Aidit captures the deep connection between the peasant and the land, highlighting the tragedy of losing both to the ravages of conflict. The poem’s rich imagery and contrasting themes of beauty and destruction evoke a sense of nostalgia for a lost way of life while also celebrating the resilience and solidarity of the people.
Ultimately, Aidit’s poem serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war, urging readers to reflect on the profound impact of violence on individuals, families, and communities. In its portrayal of both loss and resilience, Sad Memories of a Cianjur Peasant stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who continue to fight for their land, their loved ones, and their future amidst the shadows of conflict.