Beyond Words: How Poetry Awakens Spiritual Growth and Human Connection

Essay by Raudhatul Aini Adawiyah

[PPIPM-Indonesia &
Poetry-Pen International Community, Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025]

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Poetry has long served as a powerful means to express feelings, thoughts, and ideas. Through poetry, we are invited to explore emotions we may have never experienced ourselves. Many poems carry positive messages that enrich and guide our lives. In this essay, I will delve inti the heart of three powerful poems: “The Gurindam of Ramadan” (2025) by Saunir Saun, “The Month of Love” (2025) by Dilla, S.Pd., and “A Song of Harmony in the Homeland” (2025) by Ahkam Jayadi, highlighting their hidden meanings and the reasons why they are important.

Figure 2: Raudhatul Aini Adawiyah (Student of English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang; Member of PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community).
Image source: Committee of Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025.

The first poem I would like to discuss is “The Gurindam of Ramadan” (2025) by Saunir Saun. This poem subtly yet powerfully suggests that true faith in Islam naturally leads believers to wholeheartedly embrace the fast of Ramadan and its profound spiritual significance. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the holy verses, recognizing the wisdom behind fasting, and appreciating the blessings and incredible opportunities for growth offered by Ramadan. The poem inspires deep commitment and warns against neglecting this sacred month. Ultimately, it conveys that those who internalize these truths will attain spiritual enlightenment and extraordinary rewards after a month of devotion.

The second poem is “The Month of Love” (2025) by Dilla, S.Pd. This piece beautifully portrays the arrival of Ramadan as a spiritually significant moment, symbolized by the whisper of the new crescent moon and the awakening of faith, reflected in the flickering lanterns. The poem conveys that Ramadan is a “Noble Month,” brimming with compassion and love. The blossoming of true joy during this sacred time emphasizes its deep spiritual value and its role as a symbol of divine grace.

The third and final poem is “A Song of Harmony in the Homeland” (2025) by Ahkam Jayadi. This poem elegantly illustrates the importance of harmonious coexistence and mutual respect in a diverse society. Despite differences in faith—represented by the coexistence of mosques, churches, and temples—the poem asserts that true brotherhood and solidarity endure. Acts of interfaith support during Ramadan, Christmas, and Vesak exemplify a profound understanding and empathy, showing that differences are not barriers but opportunities for unity and the building of a compassionate, trusting community.

In conclusion, poetry is not merely a collection of rhythmic words or a vehicle for conveying emotions and ideas. It also serves as a powerful reminder of spiritual purity and fosters love and compassion for others. The three poems discussed—by Saunir Saun, Dilla, and Ahkam Jayadi—are shining examples of how poetry can elevate our understanding of faith, love, and humanity.

Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, 2025

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Brief Information about the Writer

Raudhatul Aini Adawiyah is a student of English Literature at the English Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. She was born in 2006 in Bogor, and currently resides in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra. She graduated from SMAN 1 Sungai Pua, Agam, in 2024.

Additionally, Raudhatul Aini Adawiyah is an active member of several literary communities, including PPIPM-Indonesia (Poetry Community of Indonesia Society’s Inspiration), PPIC (Poetry-Pen International Community), Littalk-C (Literary Talk Community), and EL4C (English Language Learning, Literary, and Literacy Community).

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References

Poem 1:
The Gurindam of Ramadan (2025), a poem by Saunir Saun.
Suara Anak Negeri News. Accessed from https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/ramadhan-melts-the-rust-of-the-world-the-special-poems-anthology-edited-by-leni-marlina-ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-international-community-indonesian-writer-of-satu-pena-indonesian-creator-of/ The first online publication in digital platfrom is on March 30th, 2025. Accessed April 2025.

Poem 2:
The Month of Love (2025), a poem by Dilla, S.Pd.
Suara Anak Negeri News. Accessed from https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/ramadhan-melts-the-rust-of-the-world-the-special-poems-anthology-edited-by-leni-marlina-ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-international-community-indonesian-writer-of-satu-pena-indonesian-creator-of/ The first online publication in digital platfrom is on March 30th, 2025. Accessed April 2025.

Poem 3:
A Song of Harmony in the Homeland (2025), a poem by Ahkam Jayadi.
Suara Anak Negeri News. Accessed from https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/ramadhan-melts-the-rust-of-the-world-the-special-poems-anthology-edited-by-leni-marlina-ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-international-community-indonesian-writer-of-satu-pena-indonesian-creator-of/ The first online publication in digital platfrom is on March 30th, 2025. Accessed April 2025.

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Figure 3: Raudhatul Aini Adawiyah (Student of the English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang; Member of PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community, virtual presenter of Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025. Image source: Raudhatul’s Doc.

About Raudhatul Aini Adawiyah:

Raudhatul Aini Adawiyah is a student of English Literature at the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang, in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Born in 2006, in Bogor, she graduated from SMAN 1 Sungai Pua in 2024.
Raudhatul is an active member of PPIPM-Indonesia (Poetry Community of Indonesian Society’s Inspiration), PPIC (Poetry-Pen International Community), Littalk-C (Literary Talk Community), and EL4C (English Language Learning Literary and Literacy Community).

In addition, Raudhatul is an active member of several communities, including PPIPM-Indonesia (Poetry Community of Indonesian Society’s Inspiration), Poetry-Pen International Community (PPIC), Littalk-C (Literary Talk Community), and EL4C (English Language Learning, Literary, and Literacy Community).

The piece by Raudhatul above was presented virtually at the Poetry Book Launching and Discussion (Poetry-BLaD) and the International Online Seminar on Poetry (IOSoP) held on May 31 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang, held by Media Suaraanaknegerinews.com in collaboration with English Langunge and Literature Department, Faculty of Languanges and Arts, UNP.

Raudhatul’s presentation video from the event is publicly accessible via the following official link: https://youtu.be/3q7dOFWbbIE?si=eS-najALkxp978Pm