AS I WAIT FOR YOU
Sapardi Djoko Damono

As I wait for you, kapok pods harden
With the peak of this barren dry season
A few junes only bloomed and wilted inside me
Which I carefully noted but silently let go

Small clouds pass over the bridge as I wait for you
Seasons condense amid my eyelashes
I hear the repeated sound of air waves breaking
Passion and lust is naked here, the stars are restless

Thin dry seasons have fallen: something suddenly falls silent
Even among the clamor of the kapok and frangipani flowers
I wait for you
Ever more rarely the clouds pass by
And nothing, not even you, have I ever waited for so long