The Society of My Class
By Sobron Aidit
udin, seventeen times you have been kicked around
eight times you have dragged your bruised body away
forty five times perhaps kicked from pillar to post
when you visit your home in no man's land
you'll be driven away on the morrow to tears and wails
but tears and abuse are of no avail
because there it is still: the bustle of life under the bridge
udin, endure the kicks and the knocks
do not say : where next shall I be thrown.
but contain your vengeance till it hardens as the river stones
till the time comes: victory or death
ah, my country, only part of it feels the touch of the sun's golden breath
the other lives in darkness, touched by the wind of death
such are the extremes between the high and low
in a society split into classes since times of yore
the society of my class, long have I dreamed of the sunrays
of a future for udin and for the others
who yearn for friendly love binding equals to each other
ah, how black and soiled it is today
but wait, for the boil will burst, molten fire will burst forth
the time will come when the enemy meets death at the point
of the dagger
the battles for the people were not in vain
they have fertilised the sturdy seedling planted by lenin
udin, wait, for the boil will burst all of a sudden
the wheel of history will surely turn round
effacing the darkness and the wind of death
and for my class only the golden sunrays.
Source: Contemporary Progressive Indonesian Poetry, 1962
Poem Analysis:
Sobron Aidit’s poem The Society of My Class presents a raw and poignant depiction of class struggle and social injustice. Through the character of Udin, Aidit illustrates the harsh realities faced by the marginalized while simultaneously expressing hope for a brighter future. The poem serves as a critique of societal inequalities and a call to action for collective resistance.
Theme of Class Struggle
At the core of the poem is the theme of class struggle, articulated through Udin’s experiences of oppression and suffering. The opening lines starkly depict Udin’s life, as he is “kicked around” and “dragged” despite his young age. The repetition of violent imagery emphasizes the relentless nature of his struggles, painting a vivid picture of the harsh treatment faced by the lower classes. The use of specific numbers, such as “seventeen times” and “eight times,” underscores the frequency and normalization of violence in his life, illustrating how systemic oppression becomes ingrained in the fabric of society.
Aidit contrasts Udin's suffering with the “bustle of life under the bridge,” suggesting that while Udin endures hardship, life continues around him. This juxtaposition highlights the indifference of society towards the plight of the downtrodden, reinforcing the idea that their struggles often go unnoticed amidst the everyday hustle and bustle.
Endurance and Resistance
The poem encourages resilience in the face of adversity, urging Udin to “endure the kicks and the knocks.” This call to endurance speaks to the broader struggle for justice, as it suggests that patience and perseverance are necessary virtues in the fight against oppression. The phrase “contain your vengeance till it hardens as the river stones” implies that anger and resistance should be channeled and cultivated, rather than expressed impulsively. This metaphor of the “river stones” evokes images of strength and permanence, suggesting that true resistance builds over time, much like stones shaped by the relentless flow of water.
Aidit also evokes a sense of hope for eventual liberation with lines like “the time will come: victory or death.” This stark declaration captures the duality of the struggle, as it acknowledges the potential for both triumph and tragedy. The urgency of the statement suggests that change is imminent, and those suffering must prepare for it, reflecting a revolutionary spirit.
Imagery of Division and Hope
The poem presents a stark contrast between the privileged and the oppressed, as seen in the lines “only part of it feels the touch of the sun's golden breath / the other lives in darkness, touched by the wind of death.” Here, Aidit uses powerful imagery to represent the extremes of wealth and poverty. The “sun's golden breath” symbolizes prosperity, warmth, and hope, while “darkness” and the “wind of death” signify despair and mortality. This dichotomy highlights the pervasive social inequality that characterizes the speaker’s society.
Despite the grim realities depicted, Aidit ultimately expresses a vision of hope and change: “the boil will burst, molten fire will burst forth.” This metaphor suggests that the pent-up anger and suffering of the oppressed will eventually lead to a transformative explosion, resulting in social upheaval and, ultimately, justice. The imagery of “molten fire” evokes notions of rebirth and renewal, indicating that from destruction may arise a new society grounded in equality.
Historical Context and Ideological Underpinnings
Aidit references historical figures and movements, particularly when he mentions that “the battles for the people were not in vain / they have fertilized the sturdy seedling planted by Lenin.” This line highlights the influence of Marxist ideology on the speaker’s vision of social change. By invoking Lenin, Aidit situates the struggle of the downtrodden within a broader historical context, suggesting that their fight is part of a larger, global struggle for workers’ rights and social justice.
The concluding lines, “the wheel of history will surely turn round / effacing the darkness and the wind of death / and for my class only the golden sunrays,” emphasize the inevitability of change. Aidit suggests that history is cyclical and that the oppressed will eventually rise, bringing light and hope to their lives. This sense of determinism serves as a rallying cry for the downtrodden, reinforcing the idea that their efforts will ultimately lead to a brighter future.
A Call to Action
The Society of My Class by Sobron Aidit is a poignant reflection on class struggle, resilience, and hope. Through vivid imagery and strong metaphors, the poem captures the harsh realities faced by the marginalized while simultaneously expressing a vision for a just and equitable society. Aidit’s call for endurance and collective action resonates deeply, urging readers to recognize the importance of solidarity in the fight against oppression.
Aidit’s work serves as both a critique of social injustice and an inspiration for those who seek to challenge the status quo. The poem’s emphasis on historical context and the inevitability of change reinforces the idea that the struggle for justice is not in vain, making it a significant contribution to the discourse on social and political movements. The message of The Society of My Class is clear: the fight for freedom and equality is a shared responsibility, and through unity, the downtrodden can create a future where all can bask in the “golden sunrays” of justice and dignity.