The Death of a Peasant
to L. Darman Tambunan
By Agam Wispi
(I)
there, before the office of my lord the regent
lies a peasant
because of land
because of land.
there, in the office of the peasant union
the hungry fume
because of blood.
land and blood
turn the wheels of history
from here the flame springs
from here peace everlasting.
(II)
he fell
prostrate
a bullet in his head.
his mind went back in torture
yet torture was only for his body
he remembered the days of his youth
his son turned soldier
-- ah, who will give them food? --
my wife weeds the ricefield
let the rice rage at the stalk
pity them
pity them
they are our comrades
give me water, I am thirsty
my body weak with hunger.
I came to them
then back to you,
and as the dry land lay white on the skin
we had food together.
and then, all went gloomy,
gloomy
extinguished
and black
as night.
(III)
they say
that those in power
who murder the people
should quit.
(IV)
the pregnant paddy withstands
the wind.
the sound of the flute in the dismal hut
impregnates life.
the pregnant paddy dances
on the wind.
just see, the women boldly going naked
their hoes and paddy smashed to smithereens
the prison is their home
and even the baby at their breast knows torture.
they say
that those in power
who rob the people
should quit
before being forced to do so.
if the tractor comes
to destroy our dwellings
we'll bang at every door.
Source: Contemporary Progressive Indonesian Poetry, 1962
Poem Analysis:
Agam Wispi’s poem The Death of a Peasant is a powerful and evocative exploration of social injustice, the struggle for land rights, and the brutal realities faced by the marginalized in society. The poem serves as both a tribute to the plight of peasants and a condemnation of the systems of power that oppress them. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Wispi highlights the interconnections between land, blood, and the cycles of history, ultimately emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit amid suffering.
Land and Blood: The Foundations of Struggle
The poem opens with a stark depiction of a peasant lying before the “office of my lord the regent,” immediately establishing the power dynamics at play. The repetition of “because of land / because of land” emphasizes the fundamental role that land plays in the lives of the peasantry. Land is portrayed not only as a source of sustenance but also as a battleground for rights and dignity. The phrase “because of blood” connects the struggle for land with violence and sacrifice, suggesting that the fight for land rights has historically been fraught with conflict.
The line “land and blood / turn the wheels of history” encapsulates the idea that social and political change is often fueled by the sacrifices of the oppressed. The imagery of “the flame springs” symbolizes the potential for revolutionary change that arises from this struggle, hinting at the possibility of achieving “peace everlasting.” This intertwining of land, blood, and history sets the stage for the broader commentary on societal structures and the urgent need for change.
The Personal Toll of Violence
In the second section, the poem shifts to a more personal and intimate portrayal of the peasant’s experience. The stark imagery of “he fell / prostrate / a bullet in his head” presents the violent reality of his death, while the reflection on memories of youth conveys the depth of his humanity. The phrase “yet torture was only for his body” highlights the disconnect between physical suffering and the enduring spirit of the peasant. The recollection of his son as a soldier signifies the intergenerational impact of conflict, suggesting that the cycle of violence extends beyond the individual.
The lamentation for his wife working in the rice field reveals the communal struggle of the peasant class. The repetition of “pity them” serves as a call for empathy, urging readers to recognize the shared hardships faced by the peasantry. The speaker’s thirst and hunger symbolize the basic needs that remain unfulfilled, underscoring the dire conditions endured by the working class. This section captures the emotional weight of loss and the longing for a better life amid despair.
A Call for Accountability
The third section presents a stark critique of those in power: “they say / that those in power / who murder the people / should quit.” This direct address challenges the legitimacy of authority figures who perpetuate violence against the oppressed. The imperative “should quit” serves as a moral demand for accountability, reflecting the collective frustration of the marginalized.
The repetition of the call for accountability underscores the urgency of the message, emphasizing that the powerful must recognize the consequences of their actions. This section acts as a rallying cry for justice, advocating for the rights of the oppressed and the need for societal change.
Resilience Amid Suffering
The fourth section introduces imagery of resilience and life amid suffering. The phrase “the pregnant paddy withstands / the wind” symbolizes the strength and endurance of the peasant class, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, life continues to thrive. The “sound of the flute in the dismal hut” implies a connection to cultural identity and community, as music becomes a source of solace amid hardship.
The imagery of women going “boldly going naked” reinforces themes of vulnerability and strength. The phrase “their hoes and paddy smashed to smithereens” depicts the destruction of their labor, while the mention of the prison as their home highlights the oppressive conditions they face. The final line—“we’ll bang at every door”—serves as a metaphor for resistance and solidarity among the oppressed, signifying their readiness to fight against injustice.
Structure and Language
The poem’s structure, divided into distinct sections, allows for a progression of themes—from the personal impact of violence to a broader critique of power dynamics. Wispi employs vivid imagery and concise language to convey the emotional weight of each moment. The use of repetition throughout the poem reinforces key themes and emphasizes the urgency of the message.
The language is direct and impactful, using stark imagery to evoke a visceral response from the reader. Wispi’s choice of words reflects the struggles of the peasant class, capturing both their suffering and their resilience. This combination of emotional depth and vivid imagery enhances the poem's overall impact, inviting readers to engage with the complex realities faced by the marginalized.
A Tribute to the Oppressed
The Death of a Peasant by Agam Wispi is a powerful commentary on social injustice, the struggle for land rights, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through its evocative imagery and emotional depth, the poem captures the complexities of the peasant experience, intertwining themes of love, loss, and resistance. Wispi’s exploration of the connections between land, blood, and history serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the oppressed in the pursuit of justice and dignity.
Ultimately, the poem stands as a tribute to those who have fought for their rights, calling for recognition and accountability from those in power. By intertwining personal narratives with broader societal critiques, Wispi compels readers to confront the realities of injustice and consider their role in the struggle for a more equitable future. In its exploration of suffering and resilience, The Death of a Peasant remains a relevant and powerful reflection on the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities worldwide.